Senior Adaptive Optics Engineer, Fusion Beamlines

Lever, Inc.; Denver, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation

401(k) match

Paid time off

Job summary

Xcimer Energy seeks a Principal Electro-Optical/Adaptive Optics Engineer to lead the adaptive optics program for high-speed fusion beamlines at our Denver headquarters. You will own system-level requirements, performance budgets, and the real-time control loop, coordinating with optical engineers, laser scientists, and technicians to execute proof-of-concept and de-risking experiments.

You will shape technical standards, mentor engineers, and drive the development of a robust AO capability for

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering or related field.
• 8+ years in optical science/engineering with 5+ years in adaptive optics/wavefront control.
• Track record delivering adaptive optics or beam control systems on real programs.
• Experience owning AO requirements and performance budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical authority for the adaptive optics system from requirements through integration and commissioning.
• Define and manage AO performance budgets, deformable mirror and sensor specs, and real-time loop requirements.
• Engage vendors for AO components and subcontracts, including SOWs and testing criteria.
• Define risk-reduction experiments, lab/test plans, and oversee commissioning to ensure reliable operation.

Skills

Adaptive optics

Wavefront sensing & control

High-speed real-time control

Optical design & system-level trades

Education

Advanced degree in optics/physics/EE

Tools

Deformable mirrors

Wavefront sensors

Real-time controllers (FPGA/ASIC)

Job description

Xcimer Energy seeks a Principal Electro-Optical/Adaptive Optics Engineer to lead the adaptive optics program for high-speed fusion beamlines at our Denver headquarters. You will own system-level requirements, performance budgets, and the real-time control loop, coordinating with optical engineers, laser scientists, and technicians to execute proof-of-concept and de-risking experiments.

You will shape technical standards, mentor engineers, and drive the development of a robust AO capability for