Principal Mechanical Engineer - Fusion Plant Design

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 Fusion Chamber Engineering Lead, you will apply your skills to lead the design and delivery of the chamber and blanket components for our fusion demonstration and pilot plants. This includes system-level engineering, mechanical design, materials evaluation, and project planning for components that will operate in high-heat-flux, radioactive, and dynamic environments. We are looking for our engineers to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy!

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead engineer for Xcimer's fusion pilot plant (FPP) chamber and blanket systems.
• Execute and oversee mechanical design, engineering analysis, and material selection.
• Create functional requirements, technical specifications, calculations, and detailed technical drawings.
• Incorporate simulation results into structural and thermal analysis in coordination with the chamber clearing and target design teams.
• Collaborate with neutronics team on low-activation materials and structural decisions.
• Define and manage interfaces with fuel processing, target injection, molten salt systems, and other plant systems.
• Coordinate efforts with external partners working on molten salt circuits, fuel processing, and balance of plant.
• Lead collaborative meetings, track status, and ensure cross-functional alignment and progress.
• Formulate and execute a technical roadmap to reach Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the pilot plant chamber/blanket within 5 years.
• Support development of experimental test plans and prototype systems.
• Contribute to supply chain and vendor strategy for fusion chamber and blanket components.
• Participate in risk management, identifying and mitigating technical and project risks.

Qualifications

• Education: BS in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field.
• Experience: Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in mechanical design, analysis, and fabrication of complex systems.
• Proven ability to lead and deliver on technical projects and collaborate across disciplines.
• Experience with 3D modeling/CAD tools and interpreting engineering drawings.
• Experience designing and executing experiments to raise TRL of systems or components.
• Familiarity with fusion systems or high-performance nuclear/energy systems.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work in cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams.
• Creative problem-solver who thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• 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.

Desired

• MS in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in engineering and project management for large-scale energy or science facilities.
• Familiarity with manufacturing methods for complex and radiation-hardened components.
• Experience with U.S. and international design codes and safety standards.
• Background in the commercial nuclear industry or fusion experimental facilities.
• Design experience with high heat flux components, specialty materials, and components in vacuum environments.

$180,000 - $240,000 a year

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

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.