Inertia 2027 Summer Internship

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.