Job Description
About Quantum Leap Energy At Quantum Leap Energy (QLE), we are building the nuclear fuel for all - safe, abundant, and reliable energy that powers advanced reactors, accelerates the clean energy transition, and shapes the future of humanity. We’re a next-generation nuclear fuel company pioneering isotope enrichment technologies that enable secure, scalable access to critical fuels for advanced fission and fusion systems. With operations across the United States, United Kingdom, and South Africa, we are advancing toward commercial deployment - unlocking a new era of clean energy independence. Every person who joins QLE plays a defining role in transforming how the world powers itself. Our Culture We are scientists, engineers, operators, and builders - united by a shared purpose: to power a sustainable and secure future for humanity. The Opportunity Lead high‑fidelity simulation, modelling, and optimization of laser-based quantum enrichment systems to improve isotope selectivity, throughput, reliability, and scalability. Responsible for translating high‑level technical and commercialization objectives into robust multiphysics modelling campaigns that couple rarefied gas dynamics, discrete particle and DSMC treatments, and detailed laser–matter interaction and excitation kinetics within quantum enrichment devices. The role will work in tight integration with the experimental laser and beamline program, driving a systematic verification and validation (V&V) approach and ensuring that simulation outputs are directly actionable for optical train design, flow field architecture, separation chamber layout, and process optimization. Leading and mentoring cross functional pod of simulation engineers (flow/DSMC, radiation transport, and kinetics) and to collaborating with laser physicists, experimentalists, process engineers, and operations in a fast‑paced development environment. The role is primarily based in Austin, TX, with some domestic and international travel as needed. Job Requirements Deep understanding of high‑speed and rarefied gas dynamics, including supersonic nozzle expansions, free‑jet and molecular beam formation, shock and expansion structures, and Knudsen‑number‑dependent transport in low‑pressure regimes. Strong foundation in transport theory and kinetic descriptions of gases (e.g., Boltzmann/GBE‑based approaches, DSMC, gas‑kinetic schemes), including experience applying DSMC or hybrid CFD–DSMC to rarefied separation devices or ionizing flows. Demonstrated expertise in setting up, running, and interpreting high‑fidelity simulations of coupled flow radiation–kinetics problems, ideally including laser–plasma or laser–molecule interaction and internal energy mode excitation. Familiarity with isotope‑selective laser excitation schemes (e.g., AVLIS, MLIS, condensation repression, multiphoton dissociation, or photoionization) and their governing quantum and kinetic constraints (line shapes, saturation, relaxation). Experience constructing state‑resolved or reduced‑order excitation–relaxation–ionization models and coupling them to macroscopic solvers to predict separation factors and quantum efficiency. Strong grasp of verification and validation principles for multiphysics simulations, including code and solution verification, validation hierarchy, validation matrices, and uncertainty quantification methods used in nuclear and safety‑relevant applications. Proven ability to work cross‑functionally with experimental laser and diagnostics teams, including experience using spectroscopic, imaging, or probe measurements to calibrate models, close modeling gaps, and refine test objectives. Excellent problem‑solving, optimization, and systems‑thinking skills, with demonstrated experience in using simulations to drive design changes that materially improve hardware, optical layout, or process performance. Strong communication skills and the ability to clearly articulate modeling assumptions, limitations, and risk implications to diverse audiences, including conveying proliferation‑relevant considerations where applicable. Experience with Star-CCM+ or other relevant codes Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related discipline with a strong emphasis on fluid mechanics, high‑speed aerodynamics, or rarefied gas dynamics; exceptional M.S. candidates with substantial directly relevant experience will be considered. 5–10 years of experience (post‑degree) developing and applying advanced CFD or gas‑kinetic simulations for high‑speed, compressible, and/or rarefied gas flows in industrial or advanced R&D environments. Demonstrated track record leading complex modeling campaigns from concept through model development, calibration/validation, and design iteration, preferably in separation, turbomachinery, hypersonics,