Optical Engineer

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! 

Xcimer is looking for an Optical Engineer to help us build state-of-the-art UV laser systems for laser driven inertial fusion. We are a small, dynamic, and highly motivated team focused on the most plausible path to bringing fusion to the grid. You will have the opportunity to apply broad optical engineering skills and technical leadership to complex problems, and directly contribute to the design, build, and test of our laser and diagnostic systems. We are looking for our engineers to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy!

• Perform basic system calculations for laser beamlines and diagnostics
• Optical design of laser beamlines and diagnostics
• Build analysis of laser beamlines and diagnostics, including alignment design, tolerancing, and component specifications
• Work with opto-mechanical team to iterate between mount requirements and system performance
• Work with optical physicists, electrical and mechanical engineers to design active beam control systems including AO and tracking systems
• Source optical components including optics elements, coatings, cameras, active beam control, etc. develop strategic relationships
• Support integration, precision alignment, and testing of laser and diagnostic systems

• Education: B.S. degree in optical engineering, or related field
• Experience: 1 years of optical engineering experience, or relevant coursework directly related to optical engineering
• Experience using commercially available optical design software (Zemax preferred) and computational tools (MATLAB or Python)
• Experience in optical design using best practices and optimization methods using common imaging-based and beam quality metrics
• Experience in optical system tolerancing based on achievable fabrication limits, and statistical representations of optical system performance
• Experience in optical system / subsystem integration and precision alignment techniques using common instrumentation such as theodolites, auto-collimators, laser trackers, etc
• Experience in performing optical metrology including interferometric measurements of optical surfaces, surface scatter characterization, and part inspection
• 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.

• Experience in the design of adaptive optics and tracking (beam pointing stabilization) systems
• Experience in high fidelity physical wave optics propagation in the near and far fields
• Experience in high energy optical systems working in the deep UV
• Comprehensive end-to-end optical system modeling and characterization
• Experience in defining and setting requirements from the system to component level

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 up to 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.

Salary : $75,000 - $100,000