Director of Superlaser Operations

Job Description

Job Description

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.

As the Director of Superlaser Operations , you will be the functional leader of the organization responsible for executing safe and efficient laser shot operations, maintenance, and upgrade projects. This includes experiments run on Phoenix, the world’s most powerful privately funded laser. You will recruit, develop, retain, and performance manage the test engineers, engineering leads, and technicians that work together to execute this work. You’ll also be accountable for shot operations standards and processes and infrastructure, leading continuous improvement and execution excellence in these areas.

In addition to serving as the functional leader of the Shot Operations and Maintenance department, you will also serve as the Program Leader for Phoenix operations. You will be accountable for the schedule and budget for Phoenix upgrade projects and for Phoenix operational metrics such as shots per day, uptime, planned/ unplanned maintenance, and schedule adherence. 

While leading the Shot Operations and Maintenance department, you will ensure collection of operational lessons learned and establish healthy and constructive feedback mechanisms to the Xcimer design teams to ensure the operability and maintainability of Xcimer’s future laser systems. This includes creating mechanisms to capture daily learnings and leading collection of input from the team for gated reviews. 

Responsibilities

Functional Operations and Maintenance Leadership 

• Lead and directly manage the engineers and technicians in the Shot Operations and Maintenance department 
• Build and scale a high-performing organization capable of supporting increasing operational throughput and system complexity 
• Ensure effective staffing models and shift structures to support sustained operations 
• Recruit, develop, and retain top talent, establishing clear roles, expectations, and career paths 
• Drive a culture of: Operational Accountability and ownership, Safety and operational rigor, Continuous improvement and learning 
• Develop and maintain shot operations standards and processes and infrastructure, leading continuous improvement and execution excellence in these areas 
• Drive the development, standardization, and governance of:
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) 
  • Operating limits and readiness processes 
  • Maintenance requirements and spares
• Ensure strict adherence to safety standards, operating limits, and regulatory requirements 
• Serve as program manager for Phoenix (the world’s most powerful privately funded laser) operations – accountable for the scope, schedule, and budget of Phoenix operations, maintenance and upgrades
• Own integrated planning and execution of shot operations, maintenance campaigns, and major upgrade projects
• Establish and lead the program operating rhythm, including:
  • Program Management Reviews (PMRs)
  • Weekly execution and planning meetings
  • Cross-functional alignment forums
• Track and manage program risks, dependencies, and critical path, ensuring proactive mitigation
• Ensure high-quality data collection, reporting, and communication of operational and program performance
• Own the Phoenix operations and maintenance budget, including:
  • Labor and staffing plans
  • Operational expenses
  • Upgrade and capital expenditures (in partnership with Engineering)
  • Drive cost efficiency while maintaining performance, safety, and schedule commitments
  • Provide regular forecasting, tracking, and reporting against budget
• Drive reduction of technical debt and advocate for design improvements that enhance operability and maintainability
• Create systematic collection of operational lessons learned and mechanisms for constructive feedback to designers to ensure the operability and maintainability of Xcimer’s future laser systems. 

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical field
• Experience: 10+ years of experience leading operations of complex, high-energy, or safety-critical technical systems
• Proven track record of program leadership, including ownership of schedule, budget, and delivery outcomes
• Demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing technical teams
• Strong systems thinking coupled with a curious, inquiry-driven mindset
• Experience implementing process discipline, operational metrics, and continuous improvement frameworks
• 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 

Desired

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in engineering, physics, or related discipline
• Experience with laser systems, pulsed power systems, or large-scale experimental facilities
• Background in test operations, commissioning, or high-throughput experimental environments
• Experience scaling operations in a rapidly evolving or startup environment
• Familiarity with automation, controls systems, and reliability engineering practices 

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.