Laser and Optics Controller

Xcimer Energy

200

Denver, CO

Posted on: 2026-08-12

Category: energy

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Employment type:

Full time

Experience required:

Intermediate

Salary

Salary not provided

About the company:

Xcimer Energy is a fusion energy company focused on commercializing laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, which it describes as the only scientifically validated form of fusion energy. The company is developing high-energy excimer laser systems designed to ignite fusion reactions using fuel derived from seawater and lithium, with the goal of delivering safe, clean, and affordable electricity that is cost-competitive with fossil fuels and renewables. Its mission centers on decarbonizing energy-intensive sectors such as artificial intelligence infrastructure, desalination, and industrial processes that require firm, always-on, carbon-free power. Xcimer's technical approach relies on electron-beam-pumped excimer lasers combined with a pulse compression technique called Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS), which compresses microsecond laser pulses to nanosecond durations without damaging optics. In 2024 the company broke ground on Phoenix, its first prototype high-energy laser system, located in Denver, Colorado, and announced the start of its operations in June 2026. Phoenix is the first electron-beam-pumped excimer laser built in the private sector in more than two decades and validates key elements of the company's low-cost laser fusion architecture. Xcimer's longer-term target is Athena, which it describes as the world's first laser fusion power plant, expected to deliver 400 megawatts of continuous clean energy by 2035. The company has received a U.S. Department of Energy approval of its fusion power plant preconceptual design and technology roadmap milestone, and collaborates with industrial partners such as TRUMPF Laser SE. With a team of nearly 200 engineers, physicists, and business professionals, Xcimer positions itself as the most technically mature private laser fusion company.

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.

As an Laser and Optics Controller for Phoenix, you will apply your technical and operational skills to operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining the laser and optical components in a state-of-the-art laser system. You will learn from our laser and optics subject matter experts and be one of the first to formally qualify to operate the system. Once qualified, you will serve as Beamline Controller – interacting with our control interface and working with the Shot Director to execute critical procedures in our laser experiment operations. During maintenance and upgrade operations, you will also perform hands on work on the system to troubleshoot, perform corrective and preventive maintenance, and execute system upgrades. We are looking for our controllers to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy!

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.

Responsibilities

Train and qualify as a Laser and Optics Controller for the Phoenix Laser System
Serve as a Laser and Optics Controller, executing procedures and working in support of the Shot Director, during laser experiment operations
Develop procedures and other shot operations infrastructure for the Phoenix pulsed power system
Troubleshoot performance anomalies both during shot operations and during maintenance activities
Perform hands-on integration and maintenance work with the Phoenix team during maintenance and upgrade windows

Qualifications

Education: Masters or Bachelors degree in optics, physics or other related discipline
Experience manufacturing or operating optical hardware
Must be willing to work on a set 8-hour shift with set start and stop times. Must also be willing to work overtime on non-shift hours during critical times.
Ability to read and interpret basic optical specifications of COTs and Custom components.
Understanding of coating purpose and limitations, including reflectivity, bandwidth, angle sensitivity, and damage threshold.
Understanding of appropriate optic cleaning techniques based on optic type and coating, including when cleaning is acceptable and when it should be avoided.
Ability to handle delicate components and performing precise adjustments.
Basic understanding of physical processes such as absorption, gain, scattering, and saturation.
Proficiency with two aperture beam alignment techniques.
Ability to manipulate beam propagation, for example recollimating an expanding beam or adjusting focus position.
Understanding of laser safety principles, including eyesafe wavelengths, exposure limits, and use of laser safety eyewear.
Ability to select optical components based on given specifications, including diameter, coating, flatness, surface quality, and damage threshold.
Ability to follow optical layouts and drawings and translate them into physical setups.
Basic troubleshooting skills to identify misalignment, clipping, ghost reflections, and common optical issues.
Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, capable of lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds unassisted for an extended period.
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