Optical – Mechanical Engineers

Overview:

We are seeking Optical - Mechanical Engineers to advance high power laser system design and testing capabilities for Inertia’s fusion energy program. A key element is development of the world’s highest average power pulsed lasers, which will form the ‘unit cell’ of our power plant. In partnership with industry, government and academia, we will build a demonstrator beamline to deliver 10 kJ at 10 Hz with 10% wall-plug efficiency using diode-pumped solid state laser technology (DPSSL).

These positions initially involve developing test stands for the various elements of this system, including optical and thermal tests of the amplifier, testing of the pulsed semiconductor laser diode arrays, testing high damage threshold optics, and developing methods for manufacture of a wide range of optical components.

Primary Responsibilities:

There are various positions that will incorporate some or all of the following:

• Design state of the art, robust, high-stability opto-mechanical systems for high average power, high energy laser systems.

• Perform opto-mechanical analysis to optimize pointing stability, thermal drift, mounting stress

• Perform heat flow, stress, birefringence analyses using FEA and CFD tools such as COMSOL / Abaqus.

• Create drawings using tools such as Solidworks to develop and procure optics, mechanics and support items.

• Develop test plans for evaluation of the designs.

• Work with optical and systems engineering teams to deliver integrated designs.

Qualifications:

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering or related field.

• Direct design experience with precision opto-mechanical products.

• Strong CAD and design-for-manufacturing skills.

• Hands-on experimental and prototyping experience.

Salary & Benefits:

• The base salary range for this role is $120,000 - $225,000; The pay range provided is an estimated base range for this role. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and education.

• We offer market-competitive compensation and an excellent benefits program, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, company-paid holidays, matching 401k, and more!

About Inertia:

Inertia is taking the most direct, scientifically-proven path to commercializing fusion, leveraging the only successful achievement of fusion ignition, using a process that was pioneered at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). With groundbreaking innovation, transformative technology, and multi-year investment, Inertia is committed to commercializing fusion energy in the next decade.