Director of Optical Engineering — UV Laser Systems Leader

U.S. Fusion Energy; Energy (IL); On-site; USD 190,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match up to 6%

Equity opportunity

Paid time off

Job summary

Xcimer Energy is seeking a Director of Optical Engineering to lead the department responsible for design, development, qualification, and commissioning of state-of-the-art UV laser optical systems for laser-driven inertial fusion. You will build and lead a high-performing team, setting technical direction across beamlines, diagnostics, coatings, and adaptive optics to meet mission goals.

The role requires deep technical depth, exceptional leadership, and experience in matrix organizations.

Qualifications

• MS in Optical Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in optical engineering including design, analysis, integration, and testing of complex optical systems.
• 15+ years of experience leading technical teams and managing engineering organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise using optical design software such as Zemax (preferred) or CODE V.
• Strong experience with computational tools such as MATLAB or Python.
• Deep understanding of optical design methodologies, tolerancing, and performance metrics for imaging and laser systems.
• Experience integrating and aligning complex optical systems using metrology equipment.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or eligible status.

Responsibilities

• Build, lead, and grow the Optical Engineering team with hiring, coaching, and career development.
• Oversee the design and integration of laser beamlines, diagnostics, adaptive optics, and related optical subsystems.
• Provide technical oversight for design, tolerancing, alignment strategies, and system performance analyses.
• Chair design/analysis reviews and guide development of active beam control and stabilization systems.
• Collaborate with scientists, systems engineers, and program leadership to meet requirements and milestones.
• Present technical status, risks, and recommendations to engineering leadership and executives.

Skills

Optical design leadership

Zemax

CODE V

MATLAB

Python

Education

MS in Optical Engineering

PhD in Optical Engineering (desired)

Tools

Zemax

CODE V

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Xcimer Energy is seeking a Director of Optical Engineering to lead the department responsible for design, development, qualification, and commissioning of state-of-the-art UV laser optical systems for laser-driven inertial fusion. You will build and lead a high-performing team, setting technical direction across beamlines, diagnostics, coatings, and adaptive optics to meet mission goals.

The role requires deep technical depth, exceptional leadership, and experience in matrix organizations.