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Xcimer Energy is developing inertial fusion energy (IFE) technology to deploy fusion power plants for global decarbonization. The company combines decades of fusion research with groundbreaking laser architecture and is backed by leading investors.
You will join the Fill and Injection Station Team as a Cryophysicist, leading experimental and theoretical design, characterization, and optimization of physical systems operating at ultra-low temperatures. This is a hands-on R&D role split between Xcimer's Denver headquarters and external collaborators at national labs and universities.
Key responsibilities include:
**Experimental Research:** Design, build, and iterate on experiments advancing target filling processes. Evaluate and improve system designs for rapid target throughput. Own documentation and management of internal test stands. Partner with scientists, engineers, and designers to translate research into products.
**Modeling and Simulation:** Advance predictive capabilities using COMSOL Multiphysics to model physical systems. Develop in-house simulations using Python for thermal transport, fluid flow, and materials interactions. Analyze results from collaborators and internal experiments. Document models and simulations.
**Collaboration & Knowledge Transfer:** Split time between Xcimer's team and external collaborators, serving as primary contact for knowledge transfer. Act as both mentor and mentee to both teams.
**Research & Development:** Provide perspectives on engineering challenges in high-pressure, high-vacuum, and cryogenic environments. Own research tasks advancing system understanding. Integrate into an agile team using rapid prototyping and build-test-fail-repeat methodology.
**Requirements:**
- Master's degree + 3 years experience OR PhD in applied physics, engineering physics, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, vacuum engineering, or related field
- 0–3+ years experience in cryophysics, thermodynamics, superconducting magnetics, or similar
- Expertise in ultra-low temperature engineering and design (thermal transport, mechanical compatibility, liquefaction)
- Demonstrated experience on system design and integration teams
- Hands-on experience with ultra-low temperature installations in laboratory environments
- Experience building thermal, fluid flow, and materials models
- Experience with both wet and dry cryogenic systems
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams
- Self-motivated, able to work independently
- Advanced verbal and written communication skills
- Must be U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident, or lawfully admitted refugee/asylee
**Desired qualifications:** PyVISA and SCPI command familiarity, AGILE project management knowledge, cryogenics safety training, vendor interaction experience, startup/fast-paced environment background, mentoring experience, R&D or low-TRL product development background.
