Senior Pulsed Power & Beam Physicist

U.S. Fusion Energy; Illinois; On-site; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Equity

Job summary

Xcimer Energy, based in Denver, CO, is seeking a Senior Pulsed Power Physicist to advance electron‑beam cathode systems for inertial fusion energy. You will lead design, fabrication, and testing across emitter technologies, optimize beam transport, and drive experimental campaigns from concept through commissioning.

The role combines theory and hands‑on work in a small team, with emphasis on modeling, validation, and thorough documentation. U.S. citizenship or equivalent is required.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or closely related field.
• 5+ years of industry experience.
• Deep expertise in beam diagnostics and vacuum electronics.
• Hands‑on experience with high-voltage pulsed power systems (100 kV+) and lab instrumentation.
• Ability to design experiments, interpret results, and document findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Optimize beam efficiency and energy deposition on target.
• Lead design, fabrication, and testing of cathode systems across multiple emitter technologies.
• Design and optimize hibachi foil/anode grid structures for beam transport efficiency.
• Lead experimental campaigns end-to-end.
• Develop and validate cathode and beam transport models (analytical, PIC, SPICE).
• Operate and maintain UHV vacuum systems (target < 10^-9 Torr).
• Own experimental program documentation: test reports, design records, procedures, data.
• Manage hardware procurement, BOM tracking, and vendor relationships for cathode subsystems.
• Interface with suppliers on procurement, packaging, and quality.
• Support integration of cathode systems into larger diode and laser architectures.

Skills

Beam diagnostics

Vacuum electronics

Pulsed power systems

Experiment design

High voltage 100 kV+

Lab instrumentation

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or closely related field

MS with exceptional relevant experience

Tools

PIC/beam simulation codes (Chicago, CST, COMSOL)

SMUs

Oscilloscopes

HV power supplies

Job description

Xcimer Energy, based in Denver, CO, is seeking a Senior Pulsed Power Physicist to advance electron‑beam cathode systems for inertial fusion energy. You will lead design, fabrication, and testing across emitter technologies, optimize beam transport, and drive experimental campaigns from concept through commissioning.

The role combines theory and hands‑on work in a small team, with emphasis on modeling, validation, and thorough documentation. U.S. citizenship or equivalent is required.