Laser and Optics Controller

Xcimer; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

401(k) with match

Equity

Job summary

Xcimer Energy, headquartered in Denver, CO, seeks a Laser and Optics Controller to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain the Phoenix laser system. You will learn from subject matter experts, qualify to operate the system, and collaborate with the Shot Director to execute critical procedures in laser experiments.

The role requires mastering beam alignment, optical component selection, and safety practices, with hands-on maintenance and upgrades.

Qualifications

• Masters or Bachelors degree in optics, physics or related discipline.
• Experience manufacturing or operating optical hardware.
• Willing to work on a set 8-hour shift with potential overtime during critical times.
• Ability to read and interpret basic optical specifications of COTs and Custom components.
• Understanding of coating purposes and limitations (reflectivity, bandwidth, angle sensitivity, damage threshold).
• Ability to handle delicate components and perform precise adjustments.
• Basic understanding of absorption, gain, scattering, and saturation.
• Proficiency with two aperture beam alignment techniques.
• Ability to manipulate beam propagation and focus position.
• Understanding of laser safety principles and eyesafe wavelengths.

Responsibilities

• Train and qualify as Laser and Optics Controller for the Phoenix Laser System.
• Serve as Laser and Optics Controller during laser experiment operations with the Shot Director.
• Develop procedures and shot operations infrastructure for the Phoenix pulsed power system.
• Troubleshoot performance anomalies during shot operations and maintenance.
• Perform hands-on integration and maintenance with the Phoenix team during upgrades.

Skills

Laser operation

Optics alignment

Troubleshooting

Beam alignment

Reading optical specs

Safety compliance

Physical stamina

Education

Masters or Bachelors in optics/physics

Tools

Phoenix Laser System

Control systems interface

Job description

XcimerEnergy 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.Xcimerhas assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing witha track recordof rapid execution. Supportedbyleading investors,Xcimeris 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 an Laser and Optics Controller for Phoenix, you will apply your technical and operational skills to operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining the laser and optical components in a state-of-the-art laser system. You will learn from our laser and optics subject matter experts and be one of the first to formally qualify to operate the system. Once qualified, you will serve as Beamline Controller – interacting with our control interface and working with the Shot Director to execute critical procedures in our laser experiment operations. During maintenance and upgrade operations, you will also perform hands on work on the system to troubleshoot, perform corrective and preventive maintenance, and execute system upgrades. We are looking for our controllers to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy!

• Train and qualify asaLaser and OpticsController for the Phoenix Laser System
• Serve as a Laser and Optics Controller, executing procedures and working in support of the Shot Director, during laser experiment operations
• Develop procedures and other shot operations infrastructure for the Phoenix pulsed power system
• Troubleshoot performance anomalies both during shot operations and during maintenance activities
• Perform hands-on integration and maintenance work with the Phoenix team during maintenance and upgrade windows

• Education: Masters or Bachelors degree in optics, physics or other related discipline
• Experience manufacturing or operating optical hardware
• Must be willing to work on a set 8-hour shift with set start and stop times. Must also be willing to work overtime on non-shift hours during critical times.
• Ability to read and interpret basic optical specifications of COTs and Custom components.
• Understanding of coating purpose and limitations, including reflectivity, bandwidth, angle sensitivity, and damage threshold.
• Understanding of appropriate optic cleaning techniques based on optic type and coating, including when cleaning is acceptable and when it should be avoided.
• Ability to handle delicate components and performing precise adjustments.
• Basic understanding of physical processes such as absorption, gain, scattering, and saturation.
• Proficiency with two aperture beam alignment techniques.
• Ability to manipulate beam propagation, for example recollimating an expanding beam or adjusting focus position.
• Understanding of laser safety principles, including eyesafe wavelengths, exposure limits, and use of laser safety eyewear.
• Ability to select optical components based on given specifications, including diameter, coating, flatness, surface quality, and damage threshold.
• Ability to follow optical layouts and drawings and translate them into physical setups.
• Basic troubleshooting skills to identify misalignment, clipping, ghost reflections, and common optical issues.
• Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, capable of lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds unassisted for an extended period.
• 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

• Pulsed power laser experience
• Working knowledge of control systems and mechanical/pneumatic equipment

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.