Optical Engineer

Xcimer Energy leverages decades of research on Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) combined with groundbreaking new laser architecture. Our mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. Xcimer has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by leading investors, Xcimer is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. Join us in powering a better world with inertial fusion!

This is a full-time, onsite role based at our headquarters in Denver, CO.

Xcimer is looking for an Optical Engineer to help us build state-of-the-art UV laser systems for laser driven inertial fusion. We are a small, dynamic, and highly motivated team focused on the most plausible path to bringing fusion to the grid. You will have the opportunity to apply broad optical engineering skills and technical leadership to complex problems, and directly contribute to the design, build, and test of our laser and diagnostic systems. We are looking for our engineers to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy! 

Own the optical architecture and performance of laser beamlines and diagnostic systems, from first-principles system calculations through detailed design. Build analysis of laser beamlines and diagnostics, including alignment design, tolerancing, and component specifications. Set the optical performance requirements that drive mount design and lead the iteration with the opto-mechanical team to converge the mount requirements and system performance. Work with optical physicists, electrical, and mechanical engineers to design active beam control systems including AO and tracking systems. Source optical components including optical elements, coatings, cameras, active beam control, etc. Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships that support the program’s roadmap. Lead integration, precision alignment, and test campaigns for laser and diagnostics systems, and establish or improve the methods and best practices the broader team uses to do this work.

Education:  B.S. degree in optical engineering, or related field Experience: 5+ years of optical engineering experience Demonstrated ownership of an optical system or subsystem from concept through hardware, including setting requirements, driving sourcing and fabrication, and leading verification and validation. Proficiency in commercially available optical design software (FRED & Zemax preferred) and computational tools (MATLAB or Python) Proficiency in optical system tolerancing based on achievable fabrication limits, and statistical representations of optical system performance Fluency in optical design using best practices and optimization methods using common imaging-based and beam quality metrics Experience in optical system / subsystem integration and precision alignment techniques using common instrumentation such as theodolites, auto-collimators, laser trackers, etc Experience in performing optical metrology including interferometric measurements of optical surfaces, surface scatter characterization, and part inspection Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee of granted asylum.

Experience in the design of adaptive optics and tracking (beam pointing stabilization) systems Experience in high fidelity physical wave optics propagation in the near and far fields Experience in high energy optical systems working in the deep UV