Program Element Lead - Laser Systems

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!

This is a full-time, onsite role based at our headquarters in Denver, CO.

As the Program Element Lead for Laser Systems you will lead end-to-end engineering execution for a high-energy laser program centered on the excimer laser technology under development at Xcimer. You will drive delivery from early R&D through prototype demonstration and transition to production/fielding—owning technical performance, schedule, cost, and risk. This is a build-and-deliver role: you’ll run integrated product teams across engineering, science, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality to turn designs into tested hardware and verified capability. You will ensure the program delivers against commitments and is ready for integration and test in support of company objectives. 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field (Master’s preferred). 
• Experience: 15+ years leading delivery of complex hardware programs (electro-optical/laser systems strongly preferred), including multi-disciplinary engineering, build/integration, and test/verification; 5+ years leading cross-functional teams. 
• Demonstrated ownership of cost/schedule/technical performance, including building and managing an integrated master schedule and milestone-driven execution. 
• Technical fluency across relevant domains (lasers/optics, pulsed power, controls, thermal/mechanical, test & instrumentation) with the ability to drive trade studies and make decisions with technical leads. 
• Element-Specific Expertise: Technical depth in high-energy laser systems—excimer, solid-state, or gas laser architectures—including amplifier physics, beam quality, pulse shaping, and laser-induced damage thresholds. Experience delivering optical system builds from lab-scale R&D through high-energy, repetition-rated prototype demonstrations.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing hundred-million-dollar budgets; EVMS/EIA-748 familiarity is a plus. 
• Strong technical communication skills: able to run design/test reviews, write crisp decision memos, and align stakeholders (engineering, manufacturing, quality, and external integrators) around the plan. 
• Proven leader who builds high-performing teams, sets clear accountability, and drives execution in matrixed environments. 
• Working knowledge of quality systems and product lifecycle practices (requirements management, configuration management, formal reviews, and corrective action). 
• Ability to operate in ambiguity and deliver results in an R&D-intensive, fast-moving organization; strong judgment and bias for action. 
• 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.

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

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.