Laser Technician / Electro-Optical Technician

Hexium is an energy technology company focused on advancing isotope enrichment through Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS), a laser-driven process that selectively ionizes and separates specific isotopes from a vaporized metal stream. The company is beginning with lithium enrichment and aims to expand into a broad range of isotopes critical for clean energy, nuclear medicine, and advanced industrial applications. Hexium positions itself as a key enabler of the nuclear renaissance by providing enriched materials needed for next-generation nuclear reactors and related technologies. Hexium's mission aligns with sustainability and climate goals by developing a cleaner alternative to conventional isotope separation methods such as centrifuge-based or chemical separation processes. Their AVLIS approach produces no hazardous waste, eliminates the need for complex mechanical systems or costly chemical agents, and offers a compact, scalable footprint. This low-waste profile makes the technology particularly relevant for green energy supply chains, including the production of lithium isotopes used in advanced nuclear fuel cycles and battery-related applications. What differentiates Hexium is its patent-pending modernization of AVLIS technology, which was previously de-risked at pilot scale through over two billion dollars in U.S. Department of Energy investment. By leveraging existing supply chain infrastructure and modern laser designs, Hexium aims to achieve commercially viable capital and operating costs. The platform's adaptability across multiple isotopes positions the company as a flexible supplier for high-impact sectors at the intersection of nuclear energy, medicine, and industrial innovation.

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Laser Technician / Electro-Optical Technician to support the development and operation of advanced optical and laser systems in an iterative R&D environment. This role is ideal for candidates with a background in laser systems who enjoy precision hardware work, troubleshooting complex systems, and contributing directly to experimental and prototype hardware programs.

You will work closely with engineers, physicists, and technical teams to understand optical system requirements and assist with their design and implementation. Your hands-on focus will center on building, aligning, and maintaining high-power laser systems, as well as the specialized optical systems used for conditioning, routing, and measuring the light they produce, while establishing strong operational and documentation practices within the lab.

This is a highly collaborative role in a regulated environment where safety, procedural discipline, and attention to detail are critical.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, maintain, and operate laser systems and their subsystems.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians to troubleshoot complex optical systems.
• ​​Accurately interpret engineering/optical models, drawings, specifications, and test procedures.
• Work with a team of physicists and engineers to help specify optical system requirements.
• Lead hands-on integration, alignment, and testing of laser-optical systems.
• Maintain laboratory readiness, organization, and strict safety compliance within laser and cleanroom environments.
• Create and maintain SOPs, assembly procedures, and technical documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in optics, lasers, electro-optics, photonics, electronics, or directly related technical disciplines, or 2+ years of experience with laser systems and free space optics.
• Hands-on experience with optical system alignment.
• Competency with laser operations and general laser lab tools (such as but not limited to micrometers, optical power meters, alignment lasers, assembly tools, mounting and handling tools, and cleaning tools). 
• Ability to maintain strict safety protocols while working in laser labs and cleanroom environments.
• Strong documentation discipline and attention to detail.
• Ability to work on-site in Austin, TX.
• This role will be exposed to export-controlled information and requires compliance with applicable export control laws and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-power laser systems, preferably nanosecond pulsed or CW systems. 
• Experience with optical measurement and alignment tools such as calipers, spectrometers, and oscilloscopes/multimeters, and with electrical diagnostic tools such as wavefront sensors and beam profilers.
• Experience working in research and development (R&D) environments or prototype hardware programs.
• Proficiency in CAD software, such as SolidWorks, for optical component design and integration.
• Proficiency with LabVIEW.
• Proficiency with Zemax for optical layouts. 
• Laser Safety Officer (LSO) training or certification.
• Q/TS Clearance.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Collaboration across engineering, physics, and operations teams.
• Hands-on laboratory and hardware-focused role: Requires use of PPE, laser eye protection, laboratory safety discipline, and cleanroom protocols.
• Requires fine motor skills and dexterity necessary to carefully manipulate, install, and adjust precise instrumentation and delicate system components. 
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and work in confined or awkward spaces to integrate and repair hardware components.
• Ability to reach at and below shoulder level to make adjustments on optical table.
• Ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to climb ladders.

Schedule

• Typical working hours begin at 7:00 AM, Monday through Friday. 
• This role may occasionally require off-hours work, weekend runs, and overtime to support experiments and system operations.
• Preference will be given to candidates based in Austin/Greater Austin area.

About Hexium

Hexium is an early-stage hardware company operating at the intersection of laser science, plasma physics, and atomic physics. We're developing advanced isotope separation systems rooted in AVLIS (Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation) technology to address a critical bottleneck in the supply of isotopes used in clean energy, medical, and advanced industrial applications. 

Our platform integrates high-power lasers, vacuum systems, and precision instrumentation to enable scalable isotope production. This is a rare opportunity to work hands-on with complex physics hardware in a small, fast-moving team.

We are based in Austin, TX and offer a competitive compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, and ancillary benefits, 401(k) matching, employee stock options, and paid time off.

Benefits

• Stock Options
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Matching
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• HSA & FSAs

E-Verify: Hexium Inc. participates in E-Verify. All new hires are required to complete the I-9 employment eligibility verification form and provide documentation to confirm their identity and authorization to work in the United States.

Screening: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Export Control: Due to the nature of this work, candidates must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information under applicable U.S. regulations..

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Hexium Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Hexium Inc. is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities upon request. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process,  please contact Hexium’s Human Resources at [email protected].