Senior Adaptive Optics Engineer — High-Speed Laser Beamlines

U.S. Fusion Energy; Energy (IL); On-site; USD 190,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Equity

Paid time off

Job summary

Xcimer Energy seeks a Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer to lead the design, integration, and commissioning of a high‑speed adaptive optics system for laser beamlines. You will act as the technical authority on adaptive optics and guide vendors, internal teams, and stakeholders to deliver a fully integrated system.

The role requires 8+ years in adaptive optics with hands‑on experience in deformable mirrors, wavefront sensors, and real‑time control; you’ll mentor staff and help grow the optics

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
• 8+ years of experience in adaptive optics, wavefront sensing and control, or closely related high speed optical control systems.
• Hands‑on experience with deformable mirrors, wavefront sensors, and high bandwidth feedback control.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Skills

Adaptive optics

Wavefront sensing

High bandwidth control

Vendor collaboration

System requirements

Education

Advanced degree in optics/physics/electrical engineering

Tools

Deformable mirrors

Wavefront sensors

Real-time controllers

FPGA

Job description

Xcimer Energy seeks a Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer to lead the design, integration, and commissioning of a high‑speed adaptive optics system for laser beamlines. You will act as the technical authority on adaptive optics and guide vendors, internal teams, and stakeholders to deliver a fully integrated system.

The role requires 8+ years in adaptive optics with hands‑on experience in deformable mirrors, wavefront sensors, and real‑time control; you’ll mentor staff and help grow the optics