Principal Target Design Physicist

Job Description

Job Description

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 Target Design Physicist you will lead capsule and planar-design modeling efforts across Xcimer’s target shooting facilities and early Vulcan-relevant physics experiments. This individual will serve as the first internal user of Xcimer’s emerging radiation-hydrodynamics code. In this capacity, the physicist will build and test early simulation decks, validate model behavior, and provide structured feedback to the separate code-development team. Their work will ensure that user requirements, physics priorities, and modeling workflows are represented during code maturation. The role will also mentor new team members in ICF physics fundamentals and coordinate technical inputs with consultants and national lab partners to ensure a unified physics basis across all modeling and experimental activities.

As a core member of the Target Design group, this physicist will drive high-fidelity capsule simulations, support FLASH-based LPI campaign design, and contribute to the development of Xcimer’s internal radiation-hydrodynamics code. Their work will directly inform target, laser, and chamber interface requirements for Xcimer’s experimental facilities and future pilot plant concepts.

This individual will run and maintain Xcimer’s in-house modeling capability, develop physics requirements for planar LPI experiments, and serve as the first internal user of Xcimer’s emerging radiation-hydrodynamics code. In this capacity, the physicist will build and test early simulation decks, validate model behavior, and provide structured feedback to the separate code-development team. Their work will ensure that user requirements, physics priorities, and modeling workflows are represented during code maturation. We are looking for our scientists to apply their leadership, technical expertise, curiosity, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy!

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Helios modeling capability maintained and delivering reliable design guidance for all Xcimer target shooting facilities.
• Modeling requirements for FLASH-based LPI campaigns thoroughly defined, documented, and validated with partners.
• Radiation-hydrodynamics deck infrastructure established and benchmarked, with clear pathways toward an internal Xcimer code.
• New interns and hires rapidly onboarded into basic and intermediate ICF physics concepts.
• Collaborations with consultants and labs produce consistent, unified physics requirements across modeling and experiment.
• Physics-driven requirements trace cleanly from modeling outputs to target, laser, and diagnostic system design.
• Early radiation-hydrodynamics decks created and tested, providing clear feedback that guides code improvement by the dedicated development team.
• A stable user workflow established for Xcimer’s internal code, informed by hands-on testing rather than direct software development responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Desired

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.