Laser Physicist

Xcimer; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Xcimer Energy, based in Denver, CO, is seeking a Laser Physicist to design, operate, and maintain advanced pulsed laser systems and to collaborate across laser, optics, and controls engineering teams. The role focuses on improving beam quality, optics procurement, and diagnostic development for state-of-the-art high-energy laser experiments.

You will conduct spectroscopic experiments, process data, align laser paths, and work with vendors to ensure reliable operation and rapid issue resolution.

Qualifications

• BS with 3+ years of experience in laser labs.
• MS with 1-2 years of related lab experience; PhD desired.
• Advanced knowledge in solid state and gas pulsed lasers and laser pulse characterization.
• Experience specifying, budgeting, purchasing, installing, and operating laser systems and optics.
• Experience in nonlinear frequency conversion and ns/fs pulse diagnostics.
• Independent troubleshooting and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, modify, operate, and maintain advanced pulsed laser systems.
• Enhance laser beam quality by selecting and installing optical components.
• Collaborate with vendors to refine specifications and procure optics.
• Develop procedures and training for technicians on complex laser systems.
• Plan and oversee spectroscopic experiments and data analysis.
• Calibrate characterization devices and ensure clean experimental data.
• Work with engineers to support laser system design and development.
• Plan, manage, and execute laser-based experiments.

Skills

Laser systems

Spectroscopy

Optics components

Phase mask/Free-form optics

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Data processing (Matlab, Python, LabLV

Independent troubleshooting

Technical leadership

Education

BS + 3+ yrs

MS + 1-2 yrs

PhD desired

PhD in EE/Physics/Chemistry

Tools

Matlab

Python

LabVIEW

Spectrometers

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.

As a Laser Physicist, you will apply your expertise to design, build, modify, and operate both new and existing pulsed laser systems. You will enhance and optimize these systems, such as improving laser beam quality, and work with vendors to procure necessary hardware devices needed for specific laser upgrades. Additionally, you will assist optics engineers with aligning complex laser beam paths, calibrating laser diagnostics equipment, identifying opportunities to improve current diagnostics, writing requirements, and working with vendors to develop state‑of‑the‑art high‑energy laser diagnostics. Part of your responsibilities will include maintaining laser systems, which involves realignment, diagnosing issues, and coordinating with vendors to resolve component malfunctions and quickly bring the system back online. You will also conduct spectroscopic experiments, collect and process data, and collaborate closely with experimentalists, theorists, optics engineers, and controls engineers to ensure the system runs reliably and supports experimental needs.

Responsibilities

• Design, modify, operate, and maintain advanced pulsed laser systems.
• Enhance laser beam quality by specifying, sourcing, and installing optical components and hardware.
• Select optical components based on laser damage thresholds, transmission, and beam quality requirements; collaborate with vendors to refine specifications and procure these optics.
• Develop clear procedures and documentation for technicians, providing training on complex laser systems to enable basic maintenance and alignment tasks.
• Plan, execute, and oversee spectroscopic experiments, ensuring accurate data collection and thorough analysis.
• Calibrate laser characterization devices and ensure experimental data is acquired accurately and free of artifacts.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, offering clear technical guidance to support the design and development of laser systems.
• Planning, managing, and executing laser‑based experiments.

Qualifications

• BS with 3+ years of experience, MS with 1-2 years of related lab experience, PhD desired.
• Advanced knowledge in solid state and gas pulsed lasers and characterization of laser pulses.
• Ability to own and maintain complex laser systems.
• Experience in specifying, budgeting, purchasing, installing, and operating laser systems, detectors, optics, spectrometers, and other scientific research equipment.
• Experience in nonlinear frequency conversion processes.
• Independent troubleshooting and solving non‑trivial technical issues.
• Experience working with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists.
• Highly self‑motivated, with the ability to work independently without guidance.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
• 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.
• PhD in electrical engineering, chemistry, physics, or related fields.
• Expertise in optical spectroscopy, gas kinetics, and data processing.
• Experience in laser gain dynamics.
• Experience with electro‑optical devices.
• Experience in pulse shaping of laser pulses.
• Experience in spectral shaping of laser pulses.
• Hands‑on experience with aligning Ti:Sapphire laser systems.
• Familiarity with fiber optics.
• Experience working with high‑damage‑threshold optics.
• Knowledge of phase mask and/or free‑form optic manufacturing, specification, and alignment.
• Experience with ns and fs pulse diagnostics and characterization (spectral and temporal).
• Experience with vacuum systems.
• Experience leading teams of optical, laser, and controls engineers.
• Experience building laser beamlines.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary research laser facilities, such as national labs.
• Experience in writing scientific papers.
• Experience in Matlab, Python, and LabVIEW.

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

Benefits Employee Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave (must be employed at time of birth or adoption), short and long‑term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%. Paid Time Off: 15 days per year based on weekly scheduled hours, 10 paid sick leave, and 13 company‑paid holidays for all regular employees (including part‑time), fixed‑term, and interns. Equity will be granted to eligible employees. Equity is designed to allow employees to share in company results and success.