Quantum Enrichment Simulation Lead

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, or related high‑speed flow systems.
• Experience working closely with experimental programs (e.g., wind tunnels, test rigs, or separation devices), including joint test planning, data interpretation, and V&V activities.
• Prior responsibility for mentoring or managing other simulation engineers or analysts is strongly preferred.

Job Responsibilities

• Working directly with the CTO, lead the development, execution, and continuous refinement of high‑fidelity simulation campaigns for laser-based quantum enrichment systems, spanning continuum and rarefied gas flows, DSMC-based molecular beams, and coupled excitation/ionization physics in the separation region.
• Own the end‑to‑end numerical modeling strategy for laser enrichment units (from reduced‑order conceptual models to plant level simulation), including geometry definition, meshing where applicable, particle resolution, model selection, numerical setup, optimization, and post‑processing workflows.
• Work cross‑functionally with experimental teams to design targeted tests (nozzle expansions, beamlines, laser interaction zones, optical diagnostics) that close key modeling uncertainties, establish model credibility, and improve predictive capability across the operating envelope.
• Implement best practices in numerical uncertainty quantification, sensitivity analysis, and optimization strategies for multi-physics campaigns, ensuring robust decision‑making and efficient exploration of high‑dimensional design spaces (flow, optical, and kinetic parameters).
• Provide day‑to‑day technical leadership and mentoring for associate and senior simulation engineers working on quantum enrichment, including code selection (CFD, DSMC, PIC, radiation transport), workflow automation, and technical upskilling in rarefied flow, laser–plasma/gas interaction, and kinetic modeling.
• Collaborate with process engineering, product, and commercial teams to connect detailed physics models to system‑level metrics (separation factor, capacity, unit cost, laser wall‑plug efficiency, energy intensity, uptime) and to inform technology roadmaps and scale‑up strategies.
• Prepare clear technical reports, model summaries, and presentations that communicate assumptions, limitations, and key insights to technical and non‑technical stakeholders, including management, investors, and potential regulatory bodies.

Compensation & Benefits

· Competitive base salary aligned to global compensation bands and local market data.

· Bonus eligibility: Target % based on level and impact.

· Equity participation: Reflecting your contribution to QLE’s long-term success.

· Comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for global mobility across US, UK, and ZA operations.

Apply Now

If you’re ready to help build the world’s next clean energy frontier, we’d love to hear from you.

Legal & Compliance Notice

Regulatory & Export Control Notice

Quantum Leap Energy (QLE) conducts business in the nuclear technology and advanced materials sectors, which are subject to strict export control, non-proliferation, and national security regulations.

Employment with QLE may require compliance with one or more of the following regulatory frameworks, depending on work location and role scope:

· United States: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) under the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).

· United Kingdom: Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and UK Strategic Export Control regulations administered by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU).

· South Africa: National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), and Non-Proliferation Council regulations under the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Act.

Certain positions may require “U.S. person” status (as defined by 10 CFR Part 810 or EAR Part 772) and/or the ability to obtain and maintain applicable export control authorizations or security clearances. QLE complies with all relevant national and international export control, non-proliferation, and security requirements in every jurisdiction in which it operates.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Quantum Leap Energy (QLE) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.