Laser 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.

About the role

This is a full-time, onsite role based at our headquarters in Denver, CO. As a Laser Physicist, you will apply your expertise to design, build, modify, and operate both new and existing pulsed laser systems. You will enhance and optimize these systems, such as improving laser beam quality, and work with vendors to procure necessary hardware devices needed for specific laser upgrades. Additionally, you will assist optics engineers with aligning complex laser beam paths, calibrating laser diagnostics equipment, identifying opportunities to improve current diagnostics, writing requirements, and working with vendors to develop state-of-the-art high-energy laser diagnostics.

Responsibilities

• Design, modify, operate, and maintain advanced pulsed laser systems
• Enhance laser beam quality by specifying, sourcing, and installing optical components and hardware
• Select optical components based on laser damage thresholds, transmission, and beam quality requirements; collaborate with vendors to refine specifications and procure these optics
• Develop clear procedures and documentation for technicians, providing training on complex laser systems to enable basic maintenance and alignment tasks
• Plan, execute, and oversee spectroscopic experiments, ensuring accurate data collection and thorough analysis
• Calibrate laser characterization devices and ensure experimental data is acquired accurately and free of artifacts
• Maintain laser systems, including realignment, diagnosing issues, and coordinating with vendors to resolve component malfunctions and quickly bring the system back online
• Conduct spectroscopic experiments, collect and process data
• Collaborate closely with experimentalists, theorists, optics engineers, and controls engineers to ensure the system runs reliably and supports experimental needs
• Collaborate closely with engineers, offering clear technical guidance to support the design and development of laser systems

Qualifications

• BS with 3+ years of experience, MS with 1-2 years of related lab experience, PhD desired
• Advanced knowledge in solid state and gas pulsed lasers and characterization of laser pulses
• Ability to own and maintain complex laser systems
• Experience in specifying, budgeting, purchasing, installing, and operating laser systems, detectors, optics, spectrometers, and other scientific research equipment
• Experience in nonlinear frequency conversion processes
• Independent troubleshooting and solving non-trivial technical issues
• Planning, managing, and executing laser-based experiments
• Experience working with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists
• Highly self-motivated, with the ability to work independently without guidance
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills
• 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 or granted asylum

Skills

• PhD in electrical engineering, chemistry, physics, or related fields
• Expertise in optical spectroscopy, gas kinetics, and data processing
• Experience in laser gain dynamics
• Experience with electro-optical devices
• Experience in pulse shaping of laser pulses
• Experience in spectral shaping of laser pulses
• Hands-on experience with aligning Ti:Sapphire laser systems
• Familiarity with fiber optics
• Experience working with high-damage-threshold optics
• Knowledge of phase mask and/or free-form optic manufacturing, specification, and alignment
• Experience with ns and fs pulse diagnostics and characterization (spectral and temporal)
• Experience with vacuum systems
• Experience leading teams of optical, laser, and controls engineers
• Experience building laser beamlines
• Experience working in multidisciplinary research laser facilities, such as national labs
• Experience in writing scientific papers
• Experience in Matlab, Python, and LabVIEW

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 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 days
• 13 company-paid holidays for all regular employees (including part-time), fixed-term, and interns
• Equity grants for eligible employees