Optical Manufacturing 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. Supportedby 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.

Join our team as a Optics Manufacturing Engineer, where you'll optimize production of optical assemblies, vessels, diagnostics, and potentially lenses and mirrors, for quality and throughput. Your role will involve translating engineering designs into fully operational hardware, optimizing existing production lines, and ensuring top-notch quality standards. You will do this primarily through work instruction authoring, manufacturing training development and coaching, as well as through hands on assistance and hands on build. You will also drive continuous improvement of quality and throughput, driving and executing needed manufacturing and product changes. You will also serve as the first point of contact for the production teams when they escalate a technical issues. Embrace the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology aimed at revolutionizing energy production. 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide DFM/A (design for manufacturing/assembly) input to the product design team to eliminate or simplify processes and tooling.
• Translate engineering intent, drawings, and configurations into fully functional hardware ready for test, qualification, and use.
• You will create, interpret, and modify work instructions and routings to convey procedures to technicians and trigger material planning, and fabrication processes.
• Driving continuous improvement of manufacturing process, you will also identify, develop, and deploy methods to improve quality, reduce cost, and optimize build sequences and schedules.
• Provide oversight and hands-on assistance during assembly by interdisciplinary technicians.
• Define and support repair and rework procedures as needed. Disposition NCRs where delegated by the Responsible Engineer.
• Handle procurement activities for hardware, tools, and facility equipment.
• Maintain ongoing operation of the equipment and systems.
• Manage hardware configuration and maintain pedigree throughout the build and test phases.
• Validate assembly or operations safety procedures with the assistance of interdisciplinary engineers and safety personnel (HV, Oil Handling, Radiation Safety, etc)
• Coach and mentor more junior manufacturing engineers and technicians

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Aerospace Engineering or work equivalent.
• Possess 8+ years of direct manufacturing and manufacturing engineering experience within an R&D environment.
• Experience with Optical Engineering and familiarity with Laser Safety
• Develop clear manufacturing work instructions covering fabrication (additive, subtractive and material joining), assembly, testing, and integration processes.
• Demonstrate strong management skills in quality control, build sequence optimization, and schedule adherence throughout manufacturing.
• Conduct engineering drawing reviews and provide final approval for manufacturing.
• Proficient in root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions for non-conformances.
• Possess a solid understanding of mechanical design and manufacturing principles, including GD&T.
• Proficient in various software tools including CAD (Siemens NX), scheduling software, issue tracking systems, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Adept at learning new software and tools.
• Exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Capable of supporting manufacturing floor activities, climbing stairs, working in confined spaces, and lifting and carrying up to 40 lbs.
• Individual must possess a high level of dexterity to manipulate optics and execute configuration changes without incident.
• 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.

$140,000 - $175,000 a year

Candidates may be considered for other positions at Xcimer Energy, and our actual base salary will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The range is published in accordance with Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and California Equal Pay Act.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Xcimer Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. Xcimer Energy hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Xcimer Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information on "EEO Is the Law," please see here and here.

Benefits

Xcimer offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health, well-being, and long-term success. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; basic and supplemental life insurance; short- and long-term disability; paid parental leave for employees at the time of birth or adoption; and a 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%. Eligible employees also receive equity, allowing them to share in the company's long-term success.

Xcimer operates under a flexible Paid Time Off (ATO) approach. Rather than a fixed number of vacation days, employees are trusted to take the time they need to rest and recharge while meeting the expectations of their role and team. In addition, employees receive paid sick time, 13 company-paid holidays, and an annual paid company shutdown. Benefits are available to regular employees, including part-time and fixed-term roles, as well as interns, with eligibility varying by benefit.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.