Senior Electrical Engineer

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.

Hexium is modernizing Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS) into a scalable industrial technology for domestic isotope production. We are designing and building complex systems combining high-power lasers, electro-optics, precision controls, instrumentation, and custom electronics.

Our engineers work directly on the hardware, from initial design and prototyping through integration and testing. For a Senior Electrical Engineer, that means technical ownership of systems that are central to Hexium’s technology and to critical U.S. energy and national-security supply chains.

Role

We’re looking for a Senior Electrical Engineer to design and build the sensitive diagnostics, precision instrumentation, and custom controllers our laser and separation technology depends on. This is a hands-on, iterative design role within our Technology Development group, focused on developing electronics that can reliably capture and process sensor and signal data in complex experimental environments.

You’ll take designs from a blank schematic through component selection, prototyping, bench testing, debugging, and integration with larger systems. The ideal candidate has deep experience with precision analog design and is equally comfortable designing circuits and working directly with hardware on the bench.

Key Responsibilities

• Design low-noise analog front-ends (transimpedance amplifiers, charge amplifiers, precision signal conditioning) for sensitive, fast-transient measurements
• Develop custom signal-amplification and detection electronics for applications like mass spectrometers
• Design and build controller assemblies for test diagnostics and signal processing
• Own the full instrument development cycle: schematic capture, PCB layout, prototyping, bench characterization, hardware iteration
• Integrate diagnostic electronics with DAQ and control systems for real-time operation
• Work directly with scientists to translate measurement requirements into working hardware
• Support installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of new control and electrical hardware

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with a strong analog/instrumentation focus
• 7+ years of hands-on experience designing low-noise analog instrumentation for sensitive or low-level signal measurement
• Demonstrated experience measuring fast transient, low-current, or low-voltage pulses (photodiode, particle/ion detector, or similar signal chains)
• Schematic capture and PCB design experience
• Comfortable with iterative, trial-and-error hardware development in an R&D lab setting
• Able to work on-site in Austin, TX
• Proficient in Altium, KiCAD, Allegro, or similar schematic/PCB design tools
• This role will be exposed to export-controlled information and technology and requires compliance with applicable export control laws and regulations

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently holds an active DOE Q clearance or active Top Secret clearance, or have held DOE Q / Top Secret clearance within the past 18 months
• Experience with spectrometry, ion detection, or other analytical/scientific instrumentation electronics
• Experience with laser system controls or diagnostics
• Familiarity with lock-in amplifiers, boxcar averagers, fast oscilloscopes, or other low-signal measurement techniques
• Background in a national-lab, university research, or hardware-startup R&D environment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and bend forward for extended periods at a lab bench performing fine-motor tasks (soldering, board assembly, probing) requiring sustained hand-eye coordination and dexterity
• Ability to work within a laser-controlled area under lab safety protocols (may require laser safety training/certification and PPE use)
• Occasional lifting/carrying of test equipment up to 30 lbs.
• Frequent close-vision work (component-level inspection, microscope/magnification use)

Work Environment 

On-site role based in Austin, TX, working within Hexium's Engineering Test Facility. Expect a fast-moving, iterative R&D lab setting rather than a conventional office- you'll be at the bench more than in meetings. 

Benefits

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

 

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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.

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].