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Xcimer Energy is seeking a Senior Molten Salt Scientist to lead the planning, design, build, commissioning, and operation of a new Molten Salt Laboratory. This role combines hands-on scientific leadership with strategic oversight of a critical experimental capability for fusion power systems development.
You will own the complete development roadmap for molten salt capabilities, spanning from small static salt experiments to large-scale forced-flow integrated effects test loops. This includes defining timelines for key thermal-hydraulic test environments, fabrication methods, corrosion testing, jet nozzle design, and heat exchanger development. You will mentor science and engineering teams, establish laboratory best practices and documentation standards, and translate experimental insights into design guidance for fusion system architecture.
Key responsibilities include partnering across Science, Engineering, and Operations divisions to align on development goals; managing relationships with external laboratories, university collaborators, and vendors; evaluating emerging scientific opportunities from academia and national laboratories; and supporting system troubleshooting and root-cause investigations. You will balance hands-on laboratory work with high-level strategic direction and organizational oversight as the company scales from startup to industrial operations.
REQUIREMENTS:
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field
- 12+ years of experience in experimental high-temperature fluids (molten salts or liquid metals), experimental R&D, or technology development for complex nuclear or fusion systems under extreme thermal and radiation environments
- Deep experience with high-temperature fluids, thermal-hydraulics, and industrial-scale systems
- Demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience and ability to establish new experimental capabilities from the ground up
- Experience designing and executing experiments that advance component or system technology readiness
- Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary scientific or R&D organizations
- Proven record of mentoring and growing high-performing technical teams
- Strong publication and scientific or engineering leadership record
- Ability to operate effectively within a rapidly evolving organization transitioning from startup to industrial scale
- Ability to balance hands-on engineering and scientific leadership with strategic direction and organizational oversight
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum
DESIRED:
- Familiarity with fusion safety and regulatory requirements
- Experience working under and adhering to beryllium safety requirements
- Experience in the commercial nuclear industry or fusion experimental facilities
- Familiarity with fusion plant design and commercialization efforts
