Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer

Xcimer; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Paid time off

Company holidays

Job summary

Xcimer Energy is hiring a Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer at our Denver headquarters to lead the design, specification, procurement, and integration of a high-speed adaptive optics system for laser beamlines.

You will act as the technical authority for adaptive optics, coordinating with vendors and internal teams to deliver an integrated, reliable system that meets performance and reliability goals.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or closely related field.
• 8+ years of experience in adaptive optics, wavefront sensing and control, or high-speed optical control systems.
• Hands-on experience with laser beams, beam quality, and interaction with optical hardware.
• Experience developing or integrating adaptive optics for laser-based systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical lead for adaptive optics system from requirements through integration and commissioning.
• Define system level requirements and performance budgets for fast AO components.

Skills

Adaptive optics

Wavefront sensing

Real time control

System architecture

Vendor engagement

Education

Advanced degree in optics or related field

Tools

Deformable mirrors

Wavefront sensors

Real-time controllers

Job description

Overview

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.

Join us in powering a better world with inertial fusion!

This is a full-time, onsite role based at our headquarters in Denver, CO.

Xcimer is seeking a Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer to technically lead the design, specification, procurement, and integration of a high-speed custom adaptive optics system for advanced laser beamlines. This role will serve as the technical authority for adaptive optics within the organization and will work closely with vendors, internal engineering teams, and system stakeholders to deliver a fully integrated and operational system. We are looking for our engineers and scientists to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy!

Technical Leadership and System Architecture

• Serve as the technical lead for the adaptive optics system, from requirements definition through integration and commissioning
• Define system level requirements and performance budgets for fast adaptive optics, including wavefront sensors, deformable mirrors, real time controllers, and diagnostics
• Lead trade studies and architecture decisions for high bandwidth, low latency correction systems integrated into laser or photon beamlines
• Ensure system designs meet performance, reliability, and operability requirements

Vendor Engagement and Procurement

• Lead technical engagement with commercial and research vendors delivering adaptive optics components and subsystems
• Develop technical specifications, statements of work, and acceptance criteria for externally supplied hardware and software
• Oversee vendor design reviews, factory acceptance tests, and delivery milestones
• Act as the primary technical interface for resolving performance, schedule, and integration issues with suppliers

Integration, Test, and Commissioning

• Lead assembly, integration, and test of the adaptive optics system within the beamline environment
• Define laboratory and in situ test plans to validate performance and closed loop operation
• Work closely with beamline, controls, and laser system teams to ensure seamless system integration
• Support commissioning activities and transition to reliable operations

Department Growth and Future Management

• Establish technical standards, documentation practices, and development workflows for the Adaptive Optics group
• Mentor and guide engineers and scientists working on adaptive optics and wavefront control topics
• Participate in hiring and onboarding as the group expands

Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field
• Experience: 8+ years of experience in adaptive optics, wavefront sensing and control, or closely related high speed optical control systems
• Demonstrated hands on experience working with laser beams, including propagation, beam quality, wavefront control, and interaction with real optical hardware
• Experience developing or integrating adaptive optics specifically for laser-based systems
• Proven experience specifying, integrating, and testing fast adaptive optics hardware and real time control systems in laboratory or operational environments
• Hands-on experience with deformable mirrors, wavefront sensors, and high bandwidth feedback control
• Proven ability to work directly with external vendors on custom optical and electro optical systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reviews, requirements definition, and cross team coordination
• 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

Preferred Qualities

• Highly preferred: experience with directed energy systems, including high power or high intensity laser platforms
• Experience delivering custom adaptive optics systems from concept through commissioning
• Prior experience mentoring engineers or leading technical teams
• Familiarity with real time software, FPGA based control, or low latency computing architectures
• Experience in laboratory and operational environments requiring high reliability and uptime

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 workforce. 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.