Research Scientist - Blanket Design

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionAbout Marathon FusionMarathon Fusion is building the engineering technologies needed to scale fusion from breakeven experiments into real power plants. While much of the industry is focused on proving new fusion devices, our focus is on the practical systems that will make fusion deployable at climate-relevant scale.We develop core fuel cycle and plant-level technologies for stable isotope production, fuel cycle closure, and advanced blanket systems that enable both energy generation and high-value co-products.Founded in 2023, Marathon Fusion is building the components and systems that will help fusion become a practical, abundant, and reliable energy source for the 21st century. Culture at Marathon FusionWe are a startup environment characterized by a need for focus, adaptability and prioritization in a shifting landscape.

Thriving in this environment requires excellent proactive communication across roles and backgrounds, the ability to build and maintain trust between team members, and the willingness to learn and develop new skills on the job. We place particularly high weight on each team member's ability to be self-directed.About the RoleWe're looking for an engineer/scientist to lead the development of cutting-edge breeding blanket systems for fusion reactors. You’ll take a systems view of blanket development, integrating a deep understanding of the relevant physics (neutron transport, gamma heating, thermo-fluids, structural) with a rigorous analysis of requirements to optimize blanket designs for safety, reliability, profitability, and deployment speed.

Your holistic approach to designing blanket systems will help make self-sustaining fusion reactors economically attractive, and take the fusion industry one step closer to powering the future of clean energy.What You’ll DoDesign cutting edge breeding blankets that meet the wide range of technical requirements for profitable operation of near-term fusion power plantsUse appropriate modeling tools, ranging from reduced order analytical models to multiphysics simulations, to quickly sweep through the vast space of potential blanket designs and uncover promising development directionsDevelop sequential test plans to guide laboratory work that focuses on answering the most critical technical questions in order of importanceBuild upon the state-of-the-art of fusion power plant blanket design via a thorough literature review and analysis of related fieldsDetermine likely regulatory requirements based on a careful reading of analogous codes and standards (NRC, ASTM, etc)Design for safety and reliability using engineering using best practices (FMEA, HALT, etc)What You BringAn MS or PhD in a relevant field (likely Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering)3+ years of work experience on top of academic trainingExperience with fusion reactors, next-generation fission reactors (small modular reactors, molten salt reactors, etc) and/or acceleratorsFamiliarity with a wide variety of modeling tools including some subset of neutronics, CFD, FEA, and/or atmospheric dispersion modelingDemonstrated track record of deploying safety-critical systems in the lab or the fieldCompensation and BenefitsOur compensation for this role is purposefully wide to encompass a variety of levels we're willing to hire. Your final compensation package will be determined by an evaluation of your experience and qualifications. All full-time employees receive equity as part of their compensation.We're proud to offer the following benefits:Medical, dental, and vision insuranceGenerous paid time off and sick leave401(k) plan with 4% employer matchCommuter benefitsFully stocked kitchenThis role is open to applicants who require relocation to the Bay Area and is supported with a $5,000 relocation reimbursement.Marathon Fusion considers all qualified applicants equally for employment.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.Compensation Range: $160K - $210K