Senior Stray Light Optical Engineer (DUV/ICF)

U.S. Fusion Energy; Energy (IL); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Parental leave

401(k) with match

Equity

Paid time off

13 holidays

Job summary

Xcimer Energy seeks a Senior Stray Light Optical Engineer for its Denver, CO headquarters. You will own non-sequential ray tracing and stray light mitigation in high‑energy DUV laser systems, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to optimize layouts and hardware.

The role requires 5+ years in stray light analysis, strong FRED proficiency, and the ability to script automation in Python or MATLAB. On‑site work with a comprehensive benefits package is provided.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of dedicated experience in stray light analysis and non-sequential optomechanical modeling.
• Expert-level proficiency in non-sequential optical design software, with a strong preference for FRED.
• Experience writing scripts to automate optical analysis and process ray trace data.
• Strong understanding of stray light mitigation techniques, including mechanical features in models.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive non-sequential ray tracing to analyze stray light and ghost reflections in high-energy DUV laser systems.
• Identify and mitigate hot spots and fringing effects to prevent optical damage and improve longevity.
• Implement mechanical feature models (baffles, apertures, beam dumps) within non-sequential environments.
• Write and maintain scripts (Python, MATLAB, or FRED) to automate ray trace simulations and data processing.
• Collaborate with sequential optical designers to optimize layouts for stray light performance.
• Work with opto-mechanical engineers to design and validate stray light mitigation hardware.
• Coordinate with materials scientists to evaluate BSDF/BRDF and UV-resilient coatings.

Skills

Stray light analysis

Non-sequential optomechanics

FRED software

Python

MATLAB

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

FRED

Job description

Xcimer Energy seeks a Senior Stray Light Optical Engineer for its Denver, CO headquarters. You will own non-sequential ray tracing and stray light mitigation in high‑energy DUV laser systems, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to optimize layouts and hardware.

The role requires 5+ years in stray light analysis, strong FRED proficiency, and the ability to script automation in Python or MATLAB. On‑site work with a comprehensive benefits package is provided.