Program Element Lead - Fusion Systems

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.

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Education: BS in physics, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or related technical field.

Experience: 10+ years leading large, complex programs (billion-dollar scale preferred) within a nuclear and engineering-intensive environment (nuclear energy, fusion facilities, particle accelerators, space and defense, etc.)

Proven track record of guiding large-scale technical teams through all phases of technical program delivery.

Experience maturing TRLs from concept through prototype.

Familiarity with power extraction systems in the context of power plant engineering and design.

Familiarity with safety basis development and nuclear safety design and construction frameworks.

Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.

Demonstrated proficiency in one or more core engineering disciplines, such as Nuclear, Aerospace, Power or Mechanical.

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.

Desired

Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in a relevant engineering field.

Experience with design and construction of one of a kind prototype systems in a nuclear environment.

Familiarity with regulatory and compliance frameworks for high-value engineering projects and with NRC regulations.