Denver, Colorado, United States Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer, Large Optics Structures
Xcimer Energy builds on decades of research in Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE), combined with a groundbreaking new laser architecture, to accelerate the deployment of fusion power plants. Our mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. Xcimer has assembled a world-class team spanning tough tech, fusion science, and advanced manufacturing, with a proven 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.
Xcimer's laser architecture transports high-energy deep-UV beams through meter-class, segmented mirror arrays. The optical performance of the entire system depends on how well those mirrors are held: mount-induced stress, thermal gradients, gravity sag, and facility vibration all couple directly as degraded beam quality for our lasers. You will own the mounting concepts and the supporting structures for our largest optics, from first principles through installed, measured hardware. This is a hands-on senior role where you will spend time in the optics labs and on the integration floor, and you will be a technical leader on a small, fast-moving team.
Responsibilities
- Develop mounting and support methodologies for large (meter-class), segmented, and lightweight mirrors used in deep-UV, high-energy laser beam transport, including kinematic definition, axial and lateral support schemes, and multi-degree-of-freedom adjustment.
- Architect and design the trusses, weldments, optical benches, and precision adjustment mechanisms that hold those mirrors, optimizing stiffness-to-mass, thermal stability, and resistance to facility-borne vibration.
- Perform structural-thermal-optical performance (STOP) analysis: static, modal, random-vibration, and thermal FEA mapped to optical surface deformation and pointing error, and correlate the models to measured data.
- Define vibration isolation and damping strategies, quantify resonant modes and harmonics against PSD-defined base and impulse sources, and lead modal testing with accelerometers to validate designs.
- Select and specify materials for athermal, dimensionally stable structures (low-CTE metals and ceramics, composites) and define bond-pad and stress-limited mounting approaches for coated DUV substrates.
- Design and validate large-optic handling, lifting, installation, and removal fixtures and procedures with contamination control and personnel safety as first-order requirements.
- Support metrology of mounted optics (interferometry, surface figure, alignment references) and use the results to accept or iterate mount and structure designs.
- Create and maintain interface control documents between optical mounts, supporting structures, facility interfaces, and adjacent subsystems; integrate designs into the large-scale NX assembly of the facility.
- Produce detailed models, GD&T drawings per ASME Y14.5, and technical data packages; release and control drawings through engineering change.
- Specify materials and finishes, manage technical data transfer to machining and fabrication suppliers, and inspect and qualify hardware on receipt.
- Develop and execute assembly, alignment, and test plans in collaboration with manufacturing engineers; assemble prototype hardware and support integration and troubleshooting in the cleanroom and lab.
- Present work at design reviews to optical, controls, manufacturing and science stakeholders; document analyses, decisions, and lessons learned.
- Mentor other mechanical engineers on precision design, analysis, and opto-mechanical integration.
Qualifications
- Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience: 10+ years of opto-mechanical engineering experience, including full lifecycle ownership (concept, analysis, procurement, assembly, test) of precision optical hardware.
- Demonstrated experience designing mounts and support structures for large optics (meter-class apertures), including truss or weldment structures for support and adjustment.
- Experience designing and characterizing optical mounts in the presence of PSD-defined base and external vibration, including quantifying resonant modes and harmonics and correlating FEA to modal test data.
- Working knowledge of athermal design: CTE matching, thermal gradient and soak effects on figure and alignment, and low-expansion material selection.
- Understanding of gravity-induced sag and print-through and the mount strategies used to control them.
- Strong FEA skills (static, modal, random vibration, thermal) in standard tools such as Ansys, Abaqus, or Nastran, and the ability to fit and decompose deformed optical surfaces (e.g., Zernike or rigid-body fits) into figure and pointing errors.
- Experience implementing alignment references and integrating optical subsystems containing flat, powered, and off-axis mirrors.
- Ability to build tolerance stack-ups for optical sensitivity analysis and a clear understanding of how mechanical tolerances translate into optical tolerances.
- Fluency in 3D CAD (NX preferred; SolidWorks or Creo acceptable) and in creating drawings using GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
- Practical knowledge of machining, welding, and fabrication processes and design for manufacturability for large precision structures.
- Experience creating and maintaining interface control documents.
- Comfort working in cleanroom, high-vacuum, and high-voltage environments.
- Strong written and verbal communication and a track record of clear technical documentation.
Desired
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience with segmented mirror arrays or large-format mirrors greater than 1 m, including multi-DOF mounts and array-level alignment.
- Design, fabrication, or optimization of lightweight mirror substrates.
- Active mount pointing and alignment recovery, including slow and fast steering mirrors.
- Experience with high-energy laser systems, particularly in the deep UV, and with laser-induced damage considerations for coated optics.
- Hands-on experience with optical fabrication and assembly techniques, including adhesive bonding of optics.
- Experience with vibration isolation systems and facility or slab dynamic characterization.
- Background in large telescope, lithography, or high-energy laser facility opto-mechanics.
Candidates may be considered for other positions at Xcimer Energy, and our actual base salary will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The range is published in accordance with Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and California Equal Pay Act.
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.
