Xcimer Energy Corporation
Adaptive Optics Engineer
TLDR
Contribute to the development of advanced adaptive optics systems for next-generation laser technology, improving beam quality and stability to enable unprecedented capabilities for inertial fusion.
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!
Your role will be concentrated on specifying, implementing, and optimizing multiple adaptive optics (AO) systems in a deep UV pulsed laser system for inertial fusion confinement. As a member of the optics group, you will be responsible for a diverse set of technical development tasks spanning a wide range of optical science/engineering topics related to adaptive optics. This role also requires the adaptive optics system requirements development and interfaces with hardware vendors. 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
Develop new optimization routines for the adaptive optics loop.
Coordination and close collaboration with vendors to develop and drive the 'next generation' of AO platforms for Xcimer’s needs with a focus around deformable mirrors and wavefront sensors.
Coordination and close collaboration with vendors to develop and drive the 'next generation' of AO platforms for Xcimer’s needs with a focus around deformable mirrors and wavefront sensors.
Assist in aligning, calibrating, and running adaptive optics hardware on a laser system.
Assist in characterizing and understanding the optical environment to set requirements for an adaptive optics system.
Leverage and improve wave-optics propagation code to model the laser systems.
Qualifications
Education: B.S. degree in optical science/engineering, or related field.
Experience: 5+ years of optical science/engineering experience directly related to adaptive optics systems.
Experience working with multi-disciplinary engineering fields including optical, opto-mechanical, software, and controls systems.
Experience in developing adaptive optics systems using best practices and optimization methods using wavefront sensors and deformable mirrors.
Experience in high fidelity physical wave-optics propagation in the near and far fields.
Experience in optical subsystem integration and alignment.
Desired
M.S. or Ph.D. degree in optical engineering/science, or related field.
10+ years of optical science/engineering experience directly related to adaptive optics.
Experience in characterizing turbulence in beam paths and developing Fourier based wave optics models for beam propagation.
Experience in the design of adaptive optics coupled with beam pointing stabilization systems.
Experience in high energy optical systems working in the deep UV.
Experience in defining and setting adaptive optics-based requirements from system to component level.
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
Xcimer offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health, well-being, and long-term success. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; basic and supplemental life insurance; short- and long-term disability; paid parental leave for employees at the time of birth or adoption; and a 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%. Eligible employees also receive equity, allowing them to share in the company’s long-term success.
Xcimer operates under a flexible Paid Time Off (ATO) approach. Rather than a fixed number of vacation days, employees are trusted to take the time they need to rest and recharge while meeting the expectations of their role and team. In addition, employees receive paid sick time, 13 company-paid holidays, and an annual paid company shutdown. Benefits are available to regular employees, including part-time and fixed-term roles, as well as interns, with eligibility varying by benefit.
Xcimer Energy Corporation develops advanced Inertial Fusion Energy technology powered by innovative laser systems. Our focus is on building fusion power plants that accelerate the transition to clean energy, enabling a sustainable future for the planet.