Program Element Lead - Fusion Systems

Fusion Energy Base; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Flexible paid time off

Equity participation

Job summary

Fusion Energy Base is seeking a Program Element Lead for Fusion Systems in Denver, CO. This full-time onsite position will oversee the implementation of multi-million to billion-dollar engineering programs, ensuring technical, budget, and schedule adherence.

Applicants should have a BS in a relevant engineering field and 10+ years of experience in managing large complex projects, preferably in the nuclear industry. Benefits include medical coverage, 401(k) match, and flexible paid time off.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in leading large-scale, complex programs.
• Proven track record in managing technical teams and project delivery.
• Familiarity with safety and regulatory standards in engineering.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design, planning, and execution of large-scale engineering programs.
• Lead cross-functional teams in achieving technical excellence.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and procurement activities.

Skills

Leadership in complex programs

Technical communication

Stakeholder management

Nuclear engineering knowledge

Engineering discipline proficiency

Education

BS in physics, nuclear, mechanical, electrical engineering

Job description

Overview

Program Element Lead – Fusion Systems (Denver, CO)

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. This full‑time, onsite role at our headquarters in Denver, CO defines, plans, and delivers a hundred million to billion‑dollar engineering program from concept through completion, overseeing cross‑functional teams to ensure technical excellence, budget adherence, and timely execution.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and be accountable for the design, planning, and execution strategy of a large‑scale, hundred million to billion‑dollar class program, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership to matrixed engineering, science, and operations teams, maintaining technical integrity and quality standards.
• Lead fusion system architecture, including the chamber, blanket, and supporting systems from conceptualization, requirement definition to delivery and plant integration.
• Direct procurement activities and vendor management for long‑lead, critical‑path fusion system components.
• Manage the transition from conceptual design to detailed design, fabrication, construction, assembly, and commissioning.
• Partner with safety, licensing, and regulatory teams to ensure compliance with applicable nuclear, environmental, and industrial safety frameworks.
• Manage project budgets, resource allocation, and schedules, implementing proactive risk mitigation and reporting on performance metrics.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and stakeholders, communicating program status, risks, and opportunities for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• BS in physics, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or related technical field.
• 10+ years leading large, complex programs (billion‑dollar scale preferred) within a nuclear and engineering‑intensive environment.
• Proven track record of guiding large‑scale technical teams through all phases of technical program delivery.
• Experience maturing TRLs from concept through prototype.
• Familiarity with power extraction systems in the context of power plant engineering and design.
• Familiarity with safety basis development and nuclear safety design and construction frameworks.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated proficiency in one or more core engineering disciplines, such as Nuclear, Aerospace, Power or Mechanical.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
• Desired: Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in a relevant engineering field.
• Experience with design and construction of one‑of‑a‑kind prototype systems in a nuclear environment.
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance frameworks for high‑value engineering projects and with NRC regulations.

Compensation

$200,000 - $250,000 a year. 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.

Benefits

• 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.
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%.
• Equity participation, allowing employees to share in the company’s long‑term success.
• Flexible Paid Time Off (ATO) approach, trusted to take the time needed while meeting role expectations.
• Paid sick time, 13 company‑paid holidays, and an annual paid company shutdown.
• Benefits apply to regular employees, part‑time and fixed‑term roles, and interns, with eligibility varying by benefit.

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. We hire and promote people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support 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 opportunities, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, and local law. Xcimer Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.