Computational Nonlinear Optical Physicist

Xcimer Energy 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. Xcimer has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by leading investors, Xcimer is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. Join us in powering a better world with inertial fusion!

As a Computational Nonlinear Optical Physicist you will apply your skills to bring inexhaustible, carbon-free, and commercially viable inertial fusion energy through rigorous scientific investigation and innovative engineer. You will work with Xcimer and its scientific partners developing cutting-edge computational modeling tools for the propagation of high intensity beams utilizing stimulated Raman and Brillouin scattering (SRRS / SBS), through neutral gas cells and plasmas. You will be an integral part of a design effort to optimize multi-pumped-beam driven amplifiers and pulse compressors, and work with our engineering team to build and test them. These designs are for the staged demonstration of unprecedented, multi-megajoule-scale, inertial fusion energy drivers. We are looking for our scientists to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, dedication, passion, and vision to positively impact the future of energy!

Responsibilities

- Code development: design and implement multi-pumped-beam propagation scientific simulation software with focus on system modularity and computational performance

- Design physical models: Explore, analyze, and test mathematical models of SBS and SRRS nonlinear optics under specific Xcimer’s laser-in-gas propagation conditions such as turbulent fluid or diluted gas kinetics.

- Quality Assurance: Implement integration and unit test pipelines that benchmark and verify the developed nonlinear optics code and ensure scalability, reproducibility, performance, and maintainability of scientific software in the spirit of continuous scientific software development.

Qualifications

- M.S. (Ph.D. preferred) in Optical Science and Engineering or related fields.

- Deep experience in nonlinear optics and modeling of nonlinear optical phenomena in gases.

- Proficiency with C++ and scientific computing tools such as Python required.

- Experience with large scale FFT computation required.

- Familiarity with deep UV and excimer laser systems.

- Familiarity with plasma physics and gas dynamics 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.

Preferred

- Ph.D. in Optical Science/Engineering, Physics or related field.

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

Benefits Employee Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave (must be employed at time of birth or adoption), short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%. Paid Time Off: 15 days per year based on weekly scheduled hours, 10 paid sick leave, and 13 company-paid holidays for all regular employees (including part-time), fixed-term, and interns. Equity will be granted to eligible employees. Equity is designed to allow employees to share in company results and success.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.