Xcimer Energy

Coatings Materials Scientist

Denver, CO · Part-time

Work authorization required$140k-$170kDetected 56 days ago

RESTData AnalysisSEMMicroscopyResearch

About the role

Xcimer Energy leverages decades of research in inertial fusion energy (IFE) combined with innovative engineering and manufacturing approaches.
Xcimer has assembled a team of leaders across fusion science, materials, and manufacturing with a strong track record of execution.
This is a full-time, onsite role based at our headquarters in Denver, CO.

Develop and optimize fluorine-resistant optical coatings for laser-facing components, including mirrors, windows, and diagnostic optics.
Design and evaluate fluorine-compatible material systems for broader system applications (e.g., chambers, fixtures, and exposed hardware).
Lead hands-on coating deposition efforts, including thin film development, process tuning, and substrate preparation.
Design and execute test plans and Design of Experiments (DOE) to evaluate coating adhesion, durability, chemical resistance, and optical performance.
Perform detailed materials and coating characterization, including microstructural, compositional, and optical property analysis.
Analyze failure modes (e.g., delamination, degradation under fluorine exposure) and drive root cause investigations and corrective actions.
Develop and document coating processes, specifications, and qualification procedures.
Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to scale coating processes from lab development to pilot and high-volume manufacturing.
Support integration of coatings into system hardware, including validation under relevant operating conditions.
Backed by leading investors, Xcimer is uniquely positioned to deliver clean, reliable fusion energy.

Strong understanding of:
Hands-on experience with coating fabrication and processing.
Hands-on expertise with materials and coating characterization tools, including:
Strong ability to correlate microstructure, composition, and processing conditions to coating performance
Experience designing and executing DOE and structured experiments.
Ability to independently troubleshoot complex materials and coating failures.
Execution-focused mindset with the ability to move quickly from concept to validation.
Experience writing technical reports, specifications, and documentation.
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.
Education: PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics or a closely related field.
Demonstrated experience developing optical coatings and/or protective coatings for harsh environments.
Thin film deposition processes (e.g., PVD, CVD, IBS, ALD, sputtering, evaporation, plasma-based methods)
Coating adhesion, stress, and durability mechanisms
Optical coating performance (reflectivity, absorption, damage thresholds)
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS/EDX)
X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
Optical microscopy and profilometry

In addition, employees receive paid sick time, 13 company-paid holidays, and an annual paid company shutdown.

Xcimer offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health, well-being, and long-term success.
Eligible employees also receive equity, allowing them to share in the company's long-term success.
Xcimer operates under a flexible Paid Time Off (ATO) approach.
Rather than a fixed number of vacation days, employees are trusted to take the time they need to rest and recharge while meeting the expectations of their role and team.
are available to regular employees, including part-time and fixed-term roles, as well as interns, with eligibility varying by benefit.

Our mission is to deploy fusion power plants at scale to meet global decarbonization goals.

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.

This listing is sourced directly from Xcimer Energy's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.