Vacuum Systems Mechanical Engineer

Lever, Inc.; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 128,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

Life and disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Equity

Job summary

Xcimer Energy in Denver, CO invites a Vacuum Systems Mechanical Engineer to lead design, integration, and testing of vacuum systems for excimer lasers in IFE power generation. Prototyping through final designs, you ensure performance across the product lifecycle.

Ideal candidates have a BS in mechanical/nuclear/aerospace, 3+ years in vacuum system design, NX CAD, and experience with high-purity gases, FEA, and complex integrated systems. U.S.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical, Nuclear, Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years in mechanical engineering with vacuum system design.
• Proficiency with NX CAD preferred.
• Knowledge of high-purity gas delivery components.
• Knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Experience with complex integrated systems (plasma, gas delivery, lasers).
• Strong problem-solving and hands-on testing abilities.
• Interdisciplinary engineering experience a plus.
• U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident or eligible refugee.

Responsibilities

• Develop and specify pump-down and vent procedures to meet vacuum flow requirements.
• Analyze and optimize flow architecture, including pressure drop, budgeting, humidification, and gas purity.
• Design equipment using NX CAD.
• Collaborate with vendors for custom and off-the-shelf devices and instruments.
• Select gas-analysis instruments such as RGAs and FTIR.
• Work with controls team on device integration.
• Ensure integration of vacuum architectures and subsystems through testing.
• Lead design efforts for prototypes and final designs.
• Oversee certifications and code compliance.
• Scale designs for power-producing IFE reactors and contribute to concept studies.

Skills

NX CAD

FEA

Vacuum systems

Gases handling

System integration

Problem solving

Interdisciplinary engineering

Education

B.S. in Mechanical, Nuclear, or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX CAD

Job description

XcimerEnergy 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.Xcimerhas assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing witha track recordof rapid execution. Supportedby leading investors,Xcimeris 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 Vacuum Systems Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the design, integration, and operation of vacuum systems forrare-gas/halide (excimer) lasers used in IFE power generation. Your work will begin with prototype systems and continue through the design and demonstration of power-producing IFE reactors. You will ensure that vacuum hardware meets flow and performance requirements throughout the product development lifecycle in a dynamic R&D environment.We are looking forour engineersto apply their technicalexpertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positivelyimpactthe future of energy!

Responsibilities

• Develop and specify pump-down and vent procedures to meet vacuum system flow requirements.
• Perform analyses and calculations to predict and optimize flow architecture functionality, including pressure drop, flow budgeting, humidification, and gas purity.
• Design equipment using NX CAD
• Work with vendors for custom and OTS devices and instruments.
• Select instruments for gas analysis such as RGAs and FTIR
• Work with the controls team on device integration.
• Ensure functional integration of vacuum architectures and subsystems through analysis, documentation, and machine testing.
• Manage pressure and vacuum vessel certifications, proof-tests, and compliance with code standards.
• Lead design efforts for prototype systems and subsystems, including Preliminary and Final Designs.
• Troubleshoot escalations and derive practical recommendations for improvements.
• Collaborate with mechanical, laser, pulsed power, and optical engineering teams throughout the design and development process.
• Support procurement of vacuum-related hardware for laser amplifiers and optical conditioning equipment.
• Oversee and assist with assembly, shakedown, and testing of vacuum systems on laser amplifiers and ancillary equipment.
• Provide operational support for vacuum systems and equipment.
• Contribute to scaling designs for power-producing IFE reactors and participate in concept studies for IFE applications and beyond.

Qualifications

• Education: B.S. in Mechanical, Nuclear, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Experience: 3+ years in mechanical engineering, with a focus on vacuum system design for complex hardware (preferred industriesincludesemiconductor, solar,R+D,nuclear,fusion energy,lasers, defense).
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (NX preferred).
• Working knowledge of high purity gas delivery components and standard equipment.
• Working knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Experience with complex integrated system design (e.g., plasma source, gas delivery, pulsed power, lasers, opto-mechanical systems).
• Strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach to troubleshooting and testing.
• Interdisciplinary engineering experience is a plus.
• 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 of granted asylum

Desired

• Start-upexperience preferred

$127,500 - $150,000 a year

Candidates may be considered for other positions at Xcimer Energy, and our actual base salary will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The range is published in accordance with Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and California Equal Pay Act.

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. For more information on “EEO Is the Law,” please see here and here.

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.