Program Element Lead - Site and Structures

Xcimer; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Flexible Paid Time Off

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Job summary

Xcimer in Denver, CO is seeking a Program Element Lead for Site and Structures. This full-time role focuses on the development and delivery of fusion energy facilities, requiring 12+ years of experience in complex infrastructure projects, especially in energy and aerospace.

The successful candidate will lead all aspects of facility development, including planning, budgeting, and contractor management. Join us at Xcimer to be part of pioneering fusion energy solutions!

Qualifications

• 12+ years managing complex facility development in technical environments.
• Demonstrated experience with capital projects exceeding $300M.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and manage compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of facilities and infrastructure.
• Manage project budget and schedule across disciplines.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Skills

Project management

Budget management

Construction oversight

Contractor management

Risk management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field

Job description

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. Supported by 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 a Program Element Lead for Site and Structures you will lead end-to-end development and delivery of facilities and site infrastructure, including planning, design, procurement strategy, construction oversight, commissioning, and transition to operations for the Vulcan laser system and Xcimer's fusion energy pilot plant, Athena. We are looking for our project coordinators to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy!

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development and delivery of facilities and site infrastructure, including planning, design, procurement strategy, construction oversight, commissioning, and transition to operations.
• Accountable for the integrated schedule for facility and site infrastructure delivery, ensuring alignment across engineering design, permitting, procurement, and construction sequencing.
• Own the facility and site infrastructure project budget, including budget development, forecasting, and adherence to approved funding, with support from Finance and Program Planning & Controls for cost baseline setup and tracking.
• Lead RFP development, evaluation, selection, and management of A/E firms, construction managers, EPC contractors, and other major facility vendors, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations.
• Provide leadership and clear direction across multiple disciplines of engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and individuals assigned to the project(s). Establish priorities, resolve conflicts, and hold individuals accountable for delivering against agreed cost and schedule targets.
• Maintain updated cost and schedule forecasts from A/E firms, EPC contractors, and other major contractors to support program reporting and planning.
• Define facility development strategy, contracting approach, and capital phasing aligned to program milestones.
• Identify project risks early and lead mitigation planning to minimize schedule and cost impacts.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, environmental regulations, safety standards, and internal governance processes.
• Drive permitting strategy and utility coordination (power, water, HVAC, specialized infrastructure) to secure required approvals and capacity without impacting the project schedule.
• Drive site readiness and facility integration efforts to ensure smooth transition from construction to operational use.

Qualifications

• Experience: 12+ years of experience managing complex facility development, capital construction, or infrastructure projects in energy, aerospace, semiconductor, or similarly technical environments.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing large capital projects (>$300M) from concept through commissioning.
• Experience acting as the owner’s representative managing AE, EPC, or major construction contractors on complex capital projects.
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing, contractor management, and cost control practices.
• Experience defining and executing large-scale capital delivery strategies, including contract structuring, risk allocation, and contractor oversight for complex infrastructure projects.
• Ability to manage budgets, forecasts, and change control processes in partnership with Finance and Program Planning & Controls teams.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience managing high-consequence or safety-critical construction environments.
• Demonstrated ability to succeed in a matrix organization, driving execution, prioritization, and individual accountability without direct line authority.
• 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 or granted asylum.
• Experience delivering projects in regulated environments involving environmental review, utility interconnection, or nuclear-adjacent licensing.
• Experience coordinating large utility loads (power, cooling water, gas systems) and site infrastructure upgrades.
• Experience integrating specialized technical systems (high-voltage, vacuum, radiation-shielded, or process-intensive systems) into large facility builds.

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.

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.