Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer High Speed Laser Beams

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision coverage

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Parental leave

401(k) match

Equity

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

Xcimer Energy in Denver, CO is seeking a Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer to lead the design, specification, and integration of a high-speed AO system for laser beamlines.

You will own system architecture, engage vendors, define requirements and budgets, and drive test and commissioning with cross‑functional teams to ensure reliable operations.

Candidates bring 8+ years in AO, hands-on with deformable mirrors, wavefront sensors, real-time controllers, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years in adaptive optics, wavefront sensing or fast optical control systems.
• Hands-on with laser beams, beam quality, and real optical hardware.
• Experience designing/ integrating adaptive optics for laser-based systems.
• Experience specifying and testing fast AO hardware and real-time control.
• Proven ability to work with external vendors on custom optical systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication for reviews and cross-team coordination.
• U.S. citizen/national or lawful resident for security clearance eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical architecture and act as the AO system authority from requirements through commissioning.
• Define system requirements and performance budgets for high-bandwidth, low-latency AO.
• Drive vendor engagement, create specs, SOWs, and acceptance criteria.
• Oversee integration, tests, and commissioning of the AO system in beamlines.
• Mentor engineers and participate in hiring as the group grows.
• Ensure reliability, operability, and documentation standards are met.

Skills

Adaptive optics

Wavefront sensing

Real-time control

Deformable mirrors

System architecture

Vendor engagement

Leadership

High bandwidth

Communications

Education

Advanced degree in optics/physics/EE

Tools

FPGA

Real-time software

Job description

Xcimer Energy in Denver, CO is seeking a Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer to lead the design, specification, and integration of a high-speed AO system for laser beamlines.

You will own system architecture, engage vendors, define requirements and budgets, and drive test and commissioning with cross‑functional teams to ensure reliable operations.

Candidates bring 8+ years in AO, hands-on with deformable mirrors, wavefront sensors, real-time controllers, and proven leadership.