Adaptive Optics Engineer

Xcimer Energy; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Flexible Paid Time Off

Job summary

Xcimer Energy in Denver, Colorado is seeking an Optical Engineer to develop and optimize adaptive optics systems for advanced laser applications. The ideal candidate will have a B.S. degree in optical science/engineering and over 5 years of relevant experience, focusing on system integration and wavefront modeling. This position offers a competitive salary range of $120,000 to $180,000 annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package, including flexible Paid Time Off, health coverage, and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in optical science/engineering related to adaptive optics.
• Experience developing adaptive optics systems using optimization methods.
• Experience in high fidelity wave-optics propagation.

Responsibilities

• Develop new optimization routines for adaptive optics loop.
• Coordinate with vendors for next generation AO platforms.
• Assist in aligning and calibrating adaptive optics hardware.

Skills

Experience with adaptive optics systems

Optical subsystem integration

Wavefront sensors

Deformable mirrors

Multi-disciplinary engineering

Education

B.S. in optical science/engineering

M.S. or Ph.D. in optical engineering/science (desired)

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!

Responsibilities

• Develop new optimization routines for the adaptive optics loop.
• Coordinate 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.

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.

Salary: $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.