Technical Project Lead - Pulsed Power/Microwave/Optical Engineering

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 Technical Project Lead, you will apply your expertise to lead the design, build, procurement, verification, and operation of experimental systems incorporating pulsed power, electron beams, microwave, optical, and vacuum components. You will independently lead a project, take responsibility for project budgets and team coordination, and deliver reports in a timely manner. You will also process and interpret experimental data and collaborate with the theoretical team to develop models of various processes in excited, low-density atmospheric plasmas.

To succeed in this role, you will need a strong understanding of pulsed power or microwave technologies, along with at least a basic understanding of optics and vacuum systems. Engineers with experience leading SBIR/STTR projects, a foundational background in pulsed power or microwave technologies, and expertise in spectroscopy and vacuum systems are also encouraged to apply.

It is expected that you will be able to accept responsibility for a project immediately, learn quickly, and lead the project effectively. You must be highly motivated, eager to learn, and possess excellent communication and organizational skills. We are looking for our scientists and engineers to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy!

Responsibilities

- Design, modify, and operate experimental setups.

- Own and manage the project schedule and budget.

- Collaborate with vendors to refine specifications and procure electronic, vacuum, and diagnostic equipment.

- Develop clear procedures and documentation for technicians.

- Plan, execute, and oversee spectroscopic experiments, ensuring accurate data collection and thorough analysis.

- Calibrate devices and ensure experimental data are acquired accurately and free of artifacts.

- Collaborate closely with systems engineers and subject-matter experts, providing clear technical guidance to support experimental system design and development.

- Work with the theoretical team on simulations and benchmarking simulation results against experimental data.

- Meet defined milestones and produce written technical reports.

- Learn, understand, and actively participate in discussions related to future, larger-scale experiments.

Qualifications

- Education: M.S. degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics or related.

- Experience: 3–4 years of relevant laboratory experience.

- Advanced knowledge of pulsed power and microwave systems and diagnostics.

- Ability to own, operate, and maintain complex experimental systems.

- Experience specifying, budgeting, purchasing, installing, and operating power supplies, vacuum equipment, detectors, oscilloscopes, and other scientific research equipment.

- Proven ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve non-trivial technical issues.

- Experience planning, managing, and executing experiments.

- Experience working effectively within a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists.

- Highly self-motivated, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

- Strong verbal and written communication skills.

- This position requires performing work under an award from the U.S. Department of Energy, Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), which requires U.S. citizenship.

Desired

- Ph.D. in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field.

- Expertise in optical spectroscopy, gas kinetics, and data processing.

- Familiarity with fiber optics.

- Experience with vacuum systems.

- Experience writing project proposals.

- Experience working in multidisciplinary research facilities, such as national laboratories.

- Experience authoring scientific publications.

- Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and LabVIEW.

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.