Adaptive Optics 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.

As an Adaptive Optics Engineer/Scientist , you will apply your skills to design, model, and implement high-performance adaptive optics systems for next-generation laser technology. You will play a critical role in developing advanced wave-optics simulation tools, creating and optimizing control algorithms, and supporting the integration and operation of adaptive optics hardware on high-energy laser platforms. Your work will directly contribute to improving beam quality, stability, and system performance, enabling the delivery of unprecedented laser capabilities for IFE. We are looking for our engineers and scientists to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy!


Responsibilities

• Develop new optimization routines for the adaptive optics loop.
• Coordination and close collaboration with vendors to develop and drive the 'next generation' of AO platforms for Xcimer's needs with a focus around deformable mirrors and wavefront sensors.
• Coordination and close collaboration with vendors to develop and drive the 'next generation' of AO platforms for Xcimer's needs with a focus around deformable mirrors and wavefront sensors.
• Assist in aligning, calibrating, and running adaptive optics hardware on a laser system.
• Assist in characterizing and understanding the optical environment to set requirements for an adaptive optics system.
• Leverage and improve wave-optics propagation code to model the laser systems.

Qualifications

• Education: B.S. degree in optical science/engineering, or related field.
• Experience: 5+ years of optical science/engineering experience directly related to adaptive optics systems.
• Experience working with multi-disciplinary engineering fields including optical, opto-mechanical, software, and controls systems.
• Experience in developing adaptive optics systems using best practices and optimization methods using wavefront sensors and deformable mirrors.
• Experience in high fidelity physical wave-optics propagation in the near and far fields.
• Experience in optical subsystem integration and alignment.
• 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 or granted asylum.

Desired

• M.S. or Ph.D. degree in optical engineering/science, or related field.
• 10+ years of optical science/engineering experience directly related to adaptive optics.
• Experience in characterizing turbulence in beam paths and developing Fourier based wave optics models for beam propagation.
• Experience in the design of adaptive optics coupled with beam pointing stabilization systems.
• Experience in high energy optical systems working in the deep UV.
• Experience in defining and setting adaptive optics-based requirements from system to component level.

$120,000 - $180,000 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.