Optical Operations Technician

U.S. Fusion Energy; Energy (IL); On-site; USD 106,020,000 - 126,078,000; Full time

Job summary

Xcimer Energy is seeking an Optical Operations Technician for our Denver, CO headquarters. This full-time, on-site role focuses on applying optics assembly and alignment skills to deliver high-power laser systems, while working within a cleanroom environment and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities include assembling vacuum assemblies, operating pumps and pressure vessels, and ensuring SOPs are followed with strict safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Associates or bachelor's degree with 1–3 years of high average power or high intensity laser work, or 3–5 years of laser alignment experience.
• Experience with opto-mechanical assembly and laser alignment.
• Able to handle fragile optics and move precisely.
• Experience in a cleanroom and adherence to strict safety standards.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• U.S. citizen or lawful status to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Work with multi-functional teams on projects that may extend beyond a Laser Technician's normal scope.
• Assemble vacuum assemblies, operate pumps and pressure vessels.
• Ensure that documented Work Instructions & SOPs are followed and meet quality requirements.
• Adhere to cleanroom protocols and safety standards.
• Assist with the implementation and maintenance of lean manufacturing and 5S activities.
• Participate in stand-up meetings and communicate any issues or blockers.
• Participate in laser safety audits and related activities.
• Embrace growth in understanding the lasers systems and optical processes at Xcimer.

Skills

Laser alignment

Opto-mechanical assembly

Cleanroom experience

Documentation skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Associates or Bachelor's degree

Job description

Denver, CO

Engineering – Manufacturing Operations /

Full-Time /

On-site

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. Supportedby 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 an Optical Operations Technician, you will apply your skills in optical assembly and alignment to deliver fusion energy. We are looking for our technicians to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy!

Responsibilities

• Working with multi-functional teams on projects which may or may not be related to a Laser Technician’s normal scope of experience.
• Assemble vacuum assemblies, operate pumps and pressure vessels
• Ensure that documented Work Instructions & SOPs are followed and meet all quality requirements.
• Adhere to cleanroom protocols and safety standards.
• Assist with the implementation and maintenance of lean manufacturing and 5S activities.
• Participate in Stand-up meetings and communicate any issues or blockers.
• Participates in laser safety audits and related activities.
• Embrace growth in their understanding of the daily operations and scientific foundations of the lasers systems and optical processes at Xcimer.

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate has an associates or bachelors degree with 1-3 years of high average power or high intensity laser work or 3-5 years of laser alignment and experience.
• Experience with opto-mechanical assembly and laser alignment.
• Must be cable of handling fragile optics and moving precisely.
• Experience working in a cleanroom and adhering to strict safety standards.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to analyze plan and coordinate work activities.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Excellent time management, organizational skills, written and verbal 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.

$37 - $44 an hour

Candidates may be considered for other positions at Xcimer Energy, and our actual base salary will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The range is published in accordance with Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and California Equal Pay Act.

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.