Wavefront Scientist

Who we are

Founded in 2019, Marvel Fusion is Europe’s leading fusion energy company, uniting 120 scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs across our locations in Munich and Colorado .

Backed by over €385 million in public and private funding, we’re driven by a shared mission: to deliver clean, abundant energy to the world.

Why Marvel Fusion

By joining us, you will be:

Solving one of the most complex technological challenges known to humanity, harnessing Fusion on Earth

Part of a highly purpose-driven team working on providing the world with clean, safe and abundant energy

Working alongside world-leading scientists and entrepreneurs in the field of Fusion

Part of a start-up where growth on a company and individual level is the default

The impact you will make

As a Wavefront Scientist , you will play a key role in the design, modeling, and validation of advanced laser beam transport systems for next-generation fusion drivers. Working at the interface between numerical simulation and laboratory experimentation, you will help ensure exceptional optical performance across high-energy laser systems.

You will develop and apply wave-optics simulation tools to predict beam propagation, aberrations, wavefront quality, and optical tolerances while actively validating simulation results through experimental measurements and diagnostics. Your work will directly contribute to the development of reliable, scalable laser architectures for fusion energy applications.

This role is ideal for candidates who combine strong computational and analytical skills with a passion for hands-on laboratory work and enjoy translating simulation insights into real-world optical system performance.

Your Responsibilities

Develop and maintain wavefront propagation and beam transport simulation models for high-power laser systems

Perform numerical analyses of optical aberrations, beam quality, diffraction effects, and system tolerances

Support the design and optimization of beam transport architectures, pulse compression systems, and frequency conversion stages

Plan and execute laboratory experiments to validate simulation predictions and investigate system performance

Configure and operate optical diagnostics for wavefront characterization, beam quality measurements, and alignment verification

Correlate experimental results with simulation outcomes to improve models and guide design decisions

Support commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimization of experimental beamlines and optical subsystems

Collaborate closely with optical, laser, mechanical, and systems engineers to translate requirements into practical solutions

Document simulation methods, experimental procedures, results, and design recommendations in a structured and traceable manner

Contribute to the continuous improvement of modeling capabilities, diagnostics, and laboratory workflows

Activities will initially be performed in the Greater Munich (DE) area, with occasional travel to research facilities worldwide.

What you bring

Master's degree or PhD in Physics, Optical Engineering, Laser Engineering, Photonics, or a related field

Strong experience with wave optics, laser beam propagation, Fourier optics, and optical system modeling

Hands-on experience with experimental optical setups, laser laboratories, or beam diagnostics

Proficiency in simulation tools and programming environments such as Python, MATLAB, Zemax, BeamXpert, CODE V, VirtualLab, or similar

Understanding of optical aberrations, wavefront sensing, adaptive optics, or beam quality characterization

Ability to connect simulation results with experimental observations and practical engineering decisions

Practical experience with optical alignment, laser operation, and laboratory troubleshooting

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured approach to technical challenges

Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams

What sets you apart

Experience with high-power or ultrafast laser systems

Familiarity with deformable mirrors, adaptive optics, or phase retrieval techniques

Experience with pulse compression, nonlinear optics, or frequency conversion systems

Knowledge of GPU-based simulation methods or high-performance computing

Previous experience working in industrial R&D environments or large-scale scientific facilities

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