Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer

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.

 

Xcimer is seeking a Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer to technically lead the design, specification, procurement, and integration of a high-speed custom adaptive optics system for advanced laser beamlines. This role will serve as the technical authority for adaptive optics within the organization and will work closely with vendors, internal engineering teams, and system stakeholders to deliver a fully integrated and operational system. 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

Technical Leadership and System Architecture 

• Serve as the technical lead for the adaptive optics system, from requirements definition through integration and commissioning
• Define system level requirements and performance budgets for fast adaptive optics, including wavefront sensors, deformable mirrors, real time controllers, and diagnostics
• Lead trade studies and architecture decisions for high bandwidth, low latency correction systems integrated into laser or photon beamlines
• Ensure system designs meet performance, reliability, and operability requirements 

 

Vendor Engagement and Procurement 

• Lead technical engagement with commercial and research vendors delivering adaptive optics components and subsystems
• Develop technical specifications, statements of work, and acceptance criteria for externally supplied hardware and software
• Oversee vendor design reviews, factory acceptance tests, and delivery milestones
• Act as the primary technical interface for resolving performance, schedule, and integration issues with suppliers 

 

Integration, Test, and Commissioning 

• Lead assembly, integration, and test of the adaptive optics system within the beamline environment
• Define laboratory and in situ test plans to validate performance and closed loop operation
• Work closely with beamline, controls, and laser system teams to ensure seamless system integration
• Support commissioning activities and transition to reliable operations 

 

Department Growth and Future Management 

• Establish technical standards, documentation practices, and development workflows for the Adaptive Optics group
• Mentor and guide engineers and scientists working on adaptive optics and wavefront control topics
• Participate in hiring and onboarding as the group expands

Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field 
• Experience: 8+ years of experience in adaptive optics, wavefront sensing and control, or closely related high speed optical control systems  
• Demonstrated hands on experience working with laser beams, including propagation, beam quality, wavefront control, and interaction with real optical hardware  
• Experience developing or integrating adaptive optics specifically for laser-based systems
• Proven experience specifying, integrating, and testing fast adaptive optics hardware and real time control systems in laboratory or operational environments  
• Hands-on experience with deformable mirrors, wavefront sensors, and high bandwidth feedback control 
• Proven ability to work directly with external vendors on custom optical and electro optical systems  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reviews, requirements definition, and cross team coordination
• 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

• Highly preferred: experience with directed energy systems, including high power or high intensity laser platforms
• Experience delivering custom adaptive optics systems from concept through commissioning
• Prior experience mentoring engineers or leading technical teams
• Familiarity with real time software, FPGA based control, or low latency computing architectures
• Experience in laboratory and operational environments requiring high reliability and uptime 

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.