Lead Adaptive Optics Engineer, Fusion Beams

Fusion Energy Base; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 190,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Equity

Paid time off

Holiday schedule

Job summary

Xcimer Energy seeks a Principal Electro-Optical/Adaptive Optics Engineer to own the adaptive optics system for our fusion beamlines at the Denver HQ. You will define requirements, budgets, and interfaces, then guide optical engineers, laser scientists, and technicians to execute tests and integration tasks.

The role emphasizes leadership, collaboration with vendors, and advancing high‑energy laser optics in a fast-paced, high‑reliability environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of optical science/engineering experience, including 5+ years in adaptive optics
• Experience delivering adaptive optics or beam control systems
• Hands-on experience with deformable mirrors and wavefront sensors
• Ability to set and audit closed-loop control requirements and budgets
• Experience working with external vendors on custom optical systems

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical lead for the adaptive optics system from requirements through integration and commissioning
• Lead vendor engagements, procurements, and subcontracts for adaptive optics components
• Define proof-of-concept and risk-reduction experiments and direct engineers to execute them
• Develop technical standards, documentation practices, and development workflows for the group
• Mentor engineers and participate in hiring as the team grows

Skills

Adaptive optics

Wavefront sensing

Deformable mirrors

High-energy lasers

Vendor management

System integration

Education

Advanced degree in optics/physics/EE

Job description

Xcimer Energy seeks a Principal Electro-Optical/Adaptive Optics Engineer to own the adaptive optics system for our fusion beamlines at the Denver HQ. You will define requirements, budgets, and interfaces, then guide optical engineers, laser scientists, and technicians to execute tests and integration tasks.

The role emphasizes leadership, collaboration with vendors, and advancing high‑energy laser optics in a fast-paced, high‑reliability environment.