Optical Engineer, Digital Twin

Focused•Austin, TX

About The Position

Focused Energy is a fusion energy startup aiming to generate unlimited clean energy. We are seeking an Optical Engineer for our Digital Twin efforts to develop, validate, and apply advanced optical and multiphysics simulation tools that form the backbone of our laser Digital Twin. As part of our Laser team, you will integrate optical and multiphysics models into a coherent, predictive framework that supports system design, optimization, and experimental validation of our laser point designs. Your work will directly reduce design risk, accelerate development cycles, and enable system-level optimization of the high-energy laser systems powering our fusion program.

Requirements

Master’s or PhD in optics, computational physics, applied mathematics, or a related field
Strong experience in optical and multiphysics simulation of complex physical systems
Ability to couple multiple physical domains (optical, thermal, mechanical, fluid) into coherent system-level models
Solid understanding of laser and optical physics (propagation, amplification, spectral and nonlinear effects)
Experience in model validation, uncertainty quantification, and data-driven refinement
Strong programming skills in Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar
Experience with simulation tools such as COMSOL, ANSYS, Zemax, CodeV, or FRED
Ability to communicate complex simulation results clearly to non-specialists
Strong collaboration skills across interdisciplinary teams
Structured and analytical problem-solving approach
Ability to work independently while aligning with broader system goals
Advanced written and verbal communication skills in English

Nice To Haves

Proven experience developing and maintaining Digital Twin models or equivalent system-level simulation frameworks, including data integration and validation
Experience translating simulation outputs into predictive tools for system design and performance forecasting
Familiarity with MDO workflows (UQ, DoE, ML training) and metamodelling / surrogate techniques (ROM, Digital Twin)
Experience with HPC batch schedulers and automation scripts
Familiarity with Monte Carlo techniques
Interest in fusion energy, high-energy-density physics, or advanced laser technologies
Hands-on R&D testing experience with laser systems or optomechanical assemblies
Proactive approach to improving simulation workflows and methodologies

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain integrated optical and multiphysics simulation frameworks (optical, thermal, mechanical coupling) for Digital Twin applications
Model complex laser amplifier architectures, including gain media, pump geometries, and thermal effects
Build, integrate, and continuously refine the Digital Twin environment for system-level prediction and optimization
Validate simulation models against experimental data and perform sensitivity and uncertainty analysis
Develop reduced-order and surrogate models for efficient Digital Twin deployment
Collaborate with optical engineers, laser physicists, and experimental teams to translate simulation results into engineering design decisions
Interface with Digital Twin architects, systems engineers, and program management to ensure models meet project requirements