Head of Diagnostics Physics: Imaging & Spectroscopy – Denver

Fusion Energy Base; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match up to 6%

Equity opportunity

13 company-paid holidays

Job summary

Xcimer Energy is seeking a Head of Diagnostics Physics to lead imaging, spectroscopy, and diagnostics for laser fusion projects at our Denver, CO location. This role oversees cross‑disciplinary teams driving predictive models, calibration standards, and robust diagnostic systems essential to next‑generation fusion power plants.

The candidate will mentor scientists, collaborate with laser architects and target designers, and guide the maturation of diagnostics from concept to industrializable

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experimental experience in imaging, spectroscopy, laser experiments, plasma diagnostics, or development of complex optical/X-ray/neutron diagnostic systems.

Responsibilities

• Build, lead, and scale the Diagnostics Physics department, including hiring, onboarding, mentoring, and developing exceptional scientific talent.
• Learn and maintain a system-wide understanding of program-defined diagnostic requirements across laser science and engineering, target design, pulsed power, nuclear science, manufacturing, operations, and systems architecture.
• Build and maintain scientific models, analysis tools, simulation frameworks, and validation infrastructure supporting all imaging and spectroscopy activities.
• Ensure all imaging and spectroscopy systems establish accurate calibration standards, verified response functions, and traceable performance metrics throughout their lifecycle.
• Drive design requirements that guarantee diagnostic instruments can survive and operate reliably in expected environments, including high-radiation fields, electromagnetic interference, neutron bombardment, vacuum conditions, and mechanical/thermal loads.
• Partner with Controls and DAQ teams to enable robust remote configuration, command, synchronization, and data readout for all diagnostic systems.
• Maintain awareness of emerging opportunities in optical, X-ray, neutron, and plasma diagnostics; identify promising academic or laboratory technologies, and collaborate with program leads, maturing those selected for integration into program activities.

Education

MS in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field

Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field

Job description

Xcimer Energy is seeking a Head of Diagnostics Physics to lead imaging, spectroscopy, and diagnostics for laser fusion projects at our Denver, CO location. This role oversees cross‑disciplinary teams driving predictive models, calibration standards, and robust diagnostic systems essential to next‑generation fusion power plants.

The candidate will mentor scientists, collaborate with laser architects and target designers, and guide the maturation of diagnostics from concept to industrializable