About the role#
Inertia offers a 10 to 12 week summer internship for students pursuing advanced degrees. You will own a scoped research project with a dedicated mentor and work alongside our scientists and engineers. At the end of the term, you will present your project results at a poster session. We match interns to specific projects based on their individual background and interests.
What you'll do#
- Model target performance, laser-plasma interactions, fusion-chamber conditions, material response, and chemistry using radiation-hydrodynamics and simulation codes.
- Design and model neutron, gamma-ray, and x-ray imaging diagnostics and generate synthetic data to compare design options.
- Study laser damage in optics and coatings, test and analyze pump diode failures, build laser and optical design models, and develop low-cost optics fabrication processes.
- Use model-based systems engineering to map fusion pilot plant functions, interfaces, and operating scenarios.
- Build control, timing, data acquisition, and storage software for laser test stands.
- Develop internal tools, machine-learning and data pipelines, and AI agents to automate design, experimental, and manufacturing work.
- Design, prototype, and test precision hardware, and develop fabrication, metrology, and cost models for mass-producing fusion targets.
- Analyze commercial, regulatory, supply chain, and safety pathways to a laser fusion power plant.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a master's or PhD program in physics, applied physics, mechanical, electrical, nuclear, or optical engineering, materials science, chemistry, computer science, or applied math.
- Experience programming or analyzing data in Python, MATLAB, C++, or similar languages.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to explain results clearly.
- Curiosity about fusion, lasers, or energy and a willingness to learn unfamiliar physics and tools.
- Comfort working on a collaborative team.
- Coursework or experience in plasma physics, optics, radiation detection, numerical methods, or materials is helpful.
- Hands-on lab experience, CAD, or machining skills are a plus.
- Experience with Linux, Fortran, high-performance computing, machine learning, diagnostics, or automation is beneficial.
Location & details#
- Location: Livermore, California.
- Modality: On-site, with hybrid options available for some software projects.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Employment: Full-time internship.
- Compensation: $40 - $45 per hour.
- Deadline: March 5, 2027.
About Inertia
Inertia is a product development and manufacturing partner based in Toronto, Ontario. Founded in 2004, the company specializes in complex hardware for sectors including medical devices, diagnostics, defense, automation, and clean technology. It maintains ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 certifications to manage regulatory and manufacturing requirements. The firm employs approximately 54 people and supports venture-backed scale-ups, mid-market OEMs, and enterprise innovation teams.
How to get in at Inertia
Applying early to Inertia gives you a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications before the candidate pool grows too large. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, so you can be among the first to submit your materials. This timing often determines whether your resume is read with fresh eyes or buried in a late-stage queue. You can use this lead time to ensure your application is polished and ready to go. Reaching out to the recruiters behind Inertia roles directly can also improve your response rates compared to standard submissions. Intern Insider surfaces the specific people managing these positions, allowing you to ask relevant questions about the role or request a referral. This direct approach shows genuine interest and helps you stand out in a competitive field.
