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Acceleron Fusion Verified

Accelerator Physicist (Lead)

Cambridge, MAOnsiteFull Time$120,000–$160,000 /yrPosted 11 days ago

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Required skills

  • muon-catalyzed fusion
  • muon production systems
  • accelerator systems
  • beamlines
  • synchrotrons
  • storage rings
  • MAD-X
  • OPAL
  • elegant
  • GPT

Nice to have

  • National lab experience
  • collaborations
  • muon physics
  • muon beamline design

Role summary

Acceleron Fusion is seeking a Lead Accelerator Physicist to design and optimize muon production systems for their fusion technology. This senior individual contributor role involves technical leadership, program planning, and potentially mentoring a team. Responsibilities include accelerator and beamline design, simulation, RF power chain specification, and cross-functional coordination. The ideal candidate has a PhD in Physics or Electrical Engineering with a focus on accelerator physics, deep understanding of beam dynamics, and proficiency with simulation and CAD tools. Experience in high-power RF, cryogenics, and radiation safety is required. The role is based in Cambridge, MA, with some travel required.

About us

Acceleron Fusion is developing muon-catalyzed fusion—a path to clean, abundant energy. Building on research sponsored by the U.S. DOE, we have raised over $20M in our Series A venture capital round and have already logged 100+ hours of muon-catalyzed fusion in tests at the Paul Scherrer Institute. Our collaborators include PSI, Oak Ridge, Argonne, Fermilab, and several universities. Join a team where fundamental physics meets application-oriented engineering, and your designs could help move our technology from the laboratory to a commercial energy source.

We have an opening for an Accelerator Physicist (Lead) who will play a key role in the design and optimization of muon production systems for our fusion technology. This is a senior individual contributor position with technical leadership responsibilities, including the expectation to help build and mentor a small team as scope grows.

What you'll do:

  • Own the technical strategy and program plan for accelerator-driven muon production and associated beamlines, including design, schedule, risk, and interface management.
  • Participate in design and optimization of accelerator systems and beamlines for muon focusing and cooling; perform and review beam dynamics simulations.
  • Lead or supervise contractors/vendors for preconceptual linac design and related subsystems; establish technical specifications and acceptance criteria.
  • Specify and architect the RF power chain (MW-class RF power conversion, distribution, waveguides, couplers) and coordinate with cryogenics on thermal load budgets (kW-level at cryo temperatures).
  • Drive preliminary engineering design, evaluate feasibility and tradeoffs, and lead design reviews; coordinate cross-functional deliverables (RF, cryo, targetry, controls, safety).
  • Author technical papers and contribute to the company's scientific publications, presenting research at scientific conferences and representing the program with external collaborators.
  • Establish working standards for modeling, data management, and verification/validation in collaboration with the broader physics and engineering teams.

    • What we're looking for:

  • PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with a focus on accelerator physics (or equivalent experience).
  • Deep understanding of beam dynamics and accelerator systems; hands-on experience with beamlines, synchrotrons, or storage rings.
  • Proficiency with accelerator and EM simulation tools (e.g., MAD-X, OPAL, elegant, GPT, CST/HFSS, COMSOL), CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, AutoCAD), and scientific computing (Python/Matlab).
  • Broad familiarity with adjacent accelerator engineering: high-power RF systems, cryogenics, radiation shielding/safety, high-voltage interlocks.
  • Proven ability to lead complex technical programs as a senior IC: setting architecture, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, making schedule/technical tradeoffs, and driving to results.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to influence across functions and with external partners.
  • Comfort operating in a fast-moving, resourceful startup environment.

    • Preferred Qualifications (not required)

  • National lab experience or collaborations strongly preferred.
  • Muon physics or muon beamline design experience is a plus.

    • Details and Logistics:

  • This is a full-time, onsite role working from our facility in Cambridge, MA.
  • Travel (including international) a few weeks per year is required to partner labs and vendors.
  • Our benefits package includes health & dental insurance, retirement savings with company contribution, stock options, paid time off, and company holidays.
  • The salary range for this role is $120,000 to $160,000. This range represents the minimum and maximum base compensation Acceleron Fusion reasonably expects to pay for this position. The specific salary offered will be determined based on relevant factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation such as bonuses, equity, or other benefits.

    • Our interview process:

  • Initial video call with recruiter (30min)
  • Technical video call with members of our Physics team (45min)
  • Research presentation (60min)
  • In-person interview (~5hours including lunch with co-founders)

    • Acceleron Fusion is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.

    #LI-Onsite

    Acceleron Fusion is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.

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