Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer

Job description

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! This is a full-time, onsite role based at our headquarters in Denver, CO. Xcimer is seeking a **Principal Adaptive Optics** **Engineer** to technically lead the design, specification, procurement, and integration of a high-speed custom adaptive optics system for advanced laser beamlines. This role will serve as the technical authority for adaptive optics within the organization and will work closely with vendors, internal engineering teams, and system stakeholders to deliver a fully integrated and operational system. We are looking for our engineers and scientists to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy! ### Responsibilities **Technical Leadership and System Architecture** - Serve as the technical lead for the adaptive optics system, from requirements definition through integration and commissioning - Define system level requirements and performance budgets for fast adaptive optics, including wavefront sensors, deformable mirrors, real time controllers, and diagnostics - Lead trade studies and architecture decisions for high bandwidth, low latency correction systems integrated into laser or photon beamlines - Ensure system designs meet performance, reliability, and operability requirements **Vendor Engagement and Procurement** - Lead technical engagement with commercial and research vendors delivering adaptive optics components and subsystems - Develop technical specifications, statements of work, and acceptance criteria for externally supplied hardware and software - Oversee vendor design reviews, factory acceptance tests, and delivery milestones - Act as the primary technical interface for resolving performance, schedule, and integration issues with suppliers **Integration, Test, and Commissioning** - Lead assembly, integration, and test of the adaptive optics system within the beamline environment - Define laboratory and in situ test plans to validate performance and closed loop operation - Work closely with beamline, controls, and laser system teams to ensure seamless system integration - Support commissioning activities and transition to reliable operations **Department Growth and Future Management** - Establish technical standards, documentation practices, and development workflows for the Adaptive Optics group - Mentor and guide engineers and scientists working on adaptive optics and wavefront control topics - Participate in hiring and onboarding as the group expands ### Qualifications - **Education:** Advanced degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field - **Experience:** 8+ years of experience in adaptive optics, wavefront sensing and control, or closely related high speed optical control systems - Demonstrated hands on experience working with laser beams, including propagation, beam quality, wavefront control, and interaction with real optical hardware - Experience developing or integrating adaptive optics specifically for laser-based systems - Proven experience specifying, integrating, and testing fast adaptive optics hardware and real time control systems in laboratory or operational environments - Hands-on experience with deformable mirrors, wavefront sensors, and high bandwidth feedback control - Proven ability to work directly with external vendors on custom optical and electro optical systems - Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reviews, requirements definition, and cross team coordination - 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 ### Desired - Highly preferred: experience with directed energy systems, including high power or high intensity laser platforms - Experience delivering custom adaptive optics systems from concept through commissioning - Prior experience mentoring engineers or leading technical teams - Familiarity with real time software, FPGA based control, or low latency computing architectures - Experience in laboratory and operational environments requiring high reliability and uptime