Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Principal Manufacturing Development EngineerXcimer 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 a Principal Manufacturing Development Engineer, you will be responsible for developing automated equipment and manufacturing processes that enable reliable, repeatable production at increasing volumes. You will take ownership of automated manufacturing projects from concept through deployment, working closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, manufacturing, quality, facilities, and systems engineering partners. This role requires a hands-on engineer who is comfortable moving between design, prototyping, implementation, and troubleshooting in a fast-moving development environment.This position offers the opportunity to significantly influence manufacturing capability, throughput, and system reliability across multiple hardware platforms critical to fusion energy development.ResponsibilitiesDevelop Advanced Automated Manufacturing Equipment: Lead the design and implementation of automated manufacturing systems incorporating industrial robotics, motion systems, sensing, and vision technologies. Define system architectures that prioritize reliability, scalability, and maintainability.Controls and System Integration: Support controls engineers, who will develop and integrate electrical and controls systems using industrial PLCs, standard communication protocols, and HMI platforms. Support data acquisition and performance monitoring to evaluate and improve system behavior. Work with controls engineers to integrate industrial robotic systems to improve consistency, precision, and production efficiency within automated manufacturing cells.Mechanical Design and DFM Support: Design mechanical components and assemblies using 3D CAD and GD&T principles. Generate detailed fabrication drawings and provide design-for-manufacturing feedback to improve automation performance and robustness.Risk and Failure Analysis: Conduct product and process failure analyses, including DFMEA and PFMEA, to identify risks, implement mitigations, and support high system uptime.Project and Program Ownership: Plan and execute multiple projects simultaneously by setting milestones, tracking progress, managing risks, and coordinating cross-functional resources. Support the development of internal processes that enable predictable delivery.Manufacturing Process Optimization: Evaluate and improve automated manufacturing workflows by analyzing cycle times, material flow, automation ROI, and work-in-process buffering to support consistent production output.Technical Documentation and Handover: Create comprehensive documentation including electrical and pneumatic schematics, bills of materials, maintenance documentation, spare parts lists, and troubleshooting guides to support long-term operation.Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Collaborate with EHS stakeholders to perform risk assessments, define personal safety requirements, and integrate appropriate guarding.Supplier and Integrator Management: Work with procurement and external vendors to develop RFQs, define technical specifications, manage build and installation phases, and lead factory and site acceptance testing for robots, cobots, palletizers, and other actuated parts of the production line. Support and coordinate with controls engineers who will own controls hardware definition and procurement.QualificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or equivalent practical experience7+ years of experience in production line developmentDemonstrated experience integrating industrial robotic systemsStrong mechanical design capability using SolidWorks, including GD&T and drawing release for automated equipmentExperience delivering manufacturing robotics or capital equipment projects from concept through commissioning, with proficiency using tools such as Jira or equivalent project tracking systemsBackground in manufacturing optimization using Lean principles, Six Sigma tools, and structured problem-solving methodologiesExperience integrating machine vision systems, sensors, and closed-loop feedback for precision automationClear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop technical specifications and collaborate effectively across disciplinesMust 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$170,000 - $220,000 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 OpportunityXcimer 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.BenefitsEmployee Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave (must be employed at time of birth or adoption), short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%. Paid Time Off: 15 days per year based on weekly scheduled hours, 10 paid sick leave, and 13 company-paid holidays for all regular employees (including part-time), fixed-term, and interns. Equity will be granted to eligible employees. Equity is designed to allow employees to share in company results and success.