Laser Scientist
Xcimer Energy
Denver, CO, USA
Posted on Jun 18, 2025
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!
As a Laser Scientist, you will apply your skills and creativity to develop high-energy lasers for IFE. You will work alongside the Theory & Computation, Laser Architecture, and Engineering teams to optimize the designs of laser amplifiers and nonlinear optical (NLO) systems—primarily KrF excimer lasers and stimulated Brillouin/Raman scattering in gases—to meet the unique performance needs of our IFE driver. Your work will be integral to the success of our next-generation, multi-megajoule laser system that will enable us to achieve net energy from fusion. We are looking for our scientists to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy!
Responsibilities
- Develop optimization routines that utilize existing in-house physics simulation tools and deploy on high-performance computing clusters
- Collaborate with other teams to evaluate optimization results and engineering constraints to iterate on designs
- Contribute to our internal suite of laser/NLO analysis, simulation tools, knowledge base, and develop clear documentation
- Think outside the box to independently identify and solve unique challenges involving big lasers!
Qualifications
- Education: Master’s degree in physics, optics, electrical engineering, or related field
- Experience: 6+ years of experience in the fields of nonlinear optics and lasers
- Strong optical physics background
- Scientific computing proficiency using Python (preferred), MATLAB, C++, etc.
- Advanced understanding of and experience simulating stimulated Brillouin scattering (preferred), stimulated Raman scattering, laser amplification, or other nonlinear optical processes
- Experience working with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists
- Excellent verbal and written communication, including documentation of technical results
- 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
Desired
- Ph.D. in physics, optics, electrical engineering, or related field
- 8+ years of experience in the fields of nonlinear optics and lasers
- Ability to select or develop optimization algorithms according to specific needs
- Experience with large-aperture, high-intensity lasers (simulation, design, and/or operation)
- Experience with gas lasers
- Demonstrated successful collaboration on code with a team
- Wave optics modeling expertise
- Ability to exercise good judgment in utilizing high-performance computing resources
- Experience mitigating parasitic nonlinear processes in simulation or through design
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
Benefits Employee Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave (must be employed at time of birth or adoption), short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%. Paid Time Off: 15 days per year based on weekly scheduled hours, 10 paid sick leave, and 13 company-paid holidays for all regular employees (including part-time), fixed-term, and interns. Equity will be granted to eligible employees. Equity is designed to allow employees to share in company results and success.