Summer 2027 R&D Intern

Location: Livermore, CA (on-site; hybrid possible for some software projects)

Duration: 10–12 weeks, summer 2027

Deadline to apply: March 5, 2027

Compensation: $40 - $45 per hour

Overview

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.

Our summer interns work on real R&D for 10–12 weeks. You'll own a scoped project with a dedicated mentor, work alongside our scientists and engineers in Livermore, and present your results at an end-of-summer poster session. We match interns to projects based on background and interest.

What you'll get to do

Each intern gets a project with a defined question and deliverables you can finish in one summer. Projects for 2027 may come from any of these areas:

- Fusion physics and simulation: model target performance, laser–plasma interactions, and the conditions, material response, and chemistry inside the fusion chamber using radiation-hydrodynamics and other simulation codes.

- Diagnostics: design and model neutron, gamma-ray, and x-ray imaging diagnostics, and generate synthetic data from implosion models to compare design options.

- Lasers and optics: study laser damage in optics and coatings, test and analyze failures in pump diodes, build laser and optical design models, and develop processes for low-cost optics fabrication.

- Systems engineering: use model-based systems engineering (MBSE) to map the functions, interfaces, and operating scenarios of a fusion pilot plant, informed by our plant performance models.

- Controls and data acquisition: build control, timing, data acquisition, and storage software for laser test stands in Python, C/C++, Rust, or another fitting language.

- Software and AI: build internal tools, ML and data pipelines, and AI agents that automate design, experimental, and manufacturing work.

- Mechanical design and target manufacturing: design, prototype, and test precision hardware, and develop fabrication, metrology, and cost models for mass-producing fusion targets.

- Plant pathways: analyze the commercial, regulatory, supply chain, and safety paths to a laser fusion power plant.

What you bring to Inertia

- Current enrollment in a MS or PhD program in physics, applied physics, mechanical, electrical, nuclear, or optical engineering, materials science, chemistry, computer science, applied math, or a related field.

- Experience programming or analyzing data in Python, MATLAB, C++, or a similar language.

- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to explain your results clearly.

- Curiosity about fusion, lasers, or energy, and a willingness to learn unfamiliar physics and tools.

- Comfort working on a fast-moving, collaborative team.

Helpful but not required

- Coursework or experience in plasma physics, optics, radiation detection, numerical methods, or materials.

- CAD, machining, or hands-on lab experience.

- Linux, C++ or Fortran, high-performance computing, or machine learning.

- Experience with diagnostics, controls, data acquisition, or automation.

This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls, security classification and/or designation as Controlled Unclassified Information. Employment in this position is conditioned on the candidate’s eligibility for, obtaining and maintaining appropriate government authorization to access technology or information, to the extent required, including without limitation a security clearance, export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items technology or information.