VP of Strategic Development

At Xcimer Energy, our mission is to provide an unlimited and economically superior source of energy to power the next generation of humanity’s progress. We are combining laser technology born in the depths of the Cold War with decades of research and development on laser inertial fusion energy (IFE) by the US government and are the leading company pursuing this approach to fusion, the only approach which has been experimentally demonstrated to date.

We’ve assembled a team of leaders in hard tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by major investors and selected as a pioneer in the field by the U.S. Department of Energy, Xcimer is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless clean energy to combat climate change and unlock new heights of human potential. Join us in powering a better world with inertial fusion! 

As VP of Strategic Development, you will apply your skills to developing and securing partnerships around the location, funding and applications of future Xcimer facilities and systems, including the world’s highest-energy and most powerful laser, a critical national security and nuclear research facility, and the world’s first laser fusion power plant. You will lead engagement with strategic partners including local, state and federal governments, academic and research institutions, and commercial property development and R&D organizations. You’ll pursue opportunities involving applications that range from fusion energy to pure scientific research to defense. And, you will seek partners nationally and internationally around the development of Xcimer’s technology. 

This is a critical role that will define Xcimer’s long-term future and strategic direction, advancing Xcimer’s interests and representing Xcimer with national and international visibility at the highest levels of government, defense and finance. We are looking for an individual who is self-driven, collaborative, creative and energetic at building new relationships, with a background including experience around intensive technology development. 

• Identify, develop and close strategic partnerships around the siting, development and operation of future Xcimer prototype, research, defense, and power generation facilities.
• Identify, develop and secure large-scale funding and incentives opportunities, including from state, federal, commercial, and international sources, to support next-generation facilities.
• Identify, develop and pursue opportunities for application of Xcimer technology towards US national security and defense missions.
• Build relationships with key government agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders to align policy goals and Xcimer’s strategic roadmap.
• Establish partnerships with defense agencies, contractors and other entities to co-develop solutions that align with strategic defense priorities.
• Lead preparation and submission of proposals, collaborating with legal and technical teams to present compelling cases for partnership, procurement or development.
• Represent Xcimer by providing thought leadership and directional influence at appropriate industry events 
• Advocate for fusion and Xcimer technologies as the best solutions to advance national interests in energy, security and climate initiatives.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, public policy, or a related field.
• Experience: 10 years of experience in business development, government affairs, strategic development or applied R&D.
• Proven track record of developing and securing large-scale strategic partnerships, funding, investment, grants or contracts at the level of hundreds of millions of dollars, including construction of new manufacturing, R&D or scientific facilities
• Deep understanding of government funding mechanisms, development programs, and large-scale technology development.
• Strong network of contacts across government, defense, energy and investment communities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex technical information and communicate clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience developing business strategy and operating in R&D organizations or advanced technology companies is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel 50% of the time, or up to 75% of the time if not based in Denver, CO.
• 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. 

Xcimer Energy Corporation is a startup pursuing commercial energy production from inertial fusion, using the same fundamental physics recently proven by the NIF (National Ignition Facility) and made economically viable by Xcimer’s novel, low-cost laser architecture. Xcimer was founded in 2021 by a team of experts in high-energy laser systems, nuclear physics and fusion engineering, and has received backing from leading clean energy and deep-tech investors. Xcimer’s comprehensive, integrated design for a power plant has been analyzed and reviewed by independent experts and represents the most assured path to put fusion energy on the grid within 10 years. Xcimer is currently finalizing plans for construction of a prototype, multi-kJ laser facility to demonstrate critical aspects of the Xcimer laser architecture.

Xcimer was recently selected by the U.S. Department of Energy for federal funding under the Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program. Selection was highly competitive and merit driven, with Xcimer receiving the second-largest federal award after Commonwealth Fusion Systems. 

Xcimer Energy Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by federal, state or local law.

Salary : $200,000 - $250,000