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.

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