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!
This is a full-time, onsite role based at our headquarters in Denver, CO.
As the Director of Shot Operations, you will be the functional leader of the organization responsible for executing safe and efficient laser shot operations, maintenance, and upgrade projects. This includes experiments run on Phoenix, the world’s most powerful privately funded laser. You will recruit, develop, retain, and performance manage the test engineers, engineering leads, and technicians that work together to execute this work. You’ll also be accountable for shot operations standards and processes and infrastructure, leading continuous improvement and execution excellence in these areas.
In addition to serving as the functional leader of the Shot Operations and Maintenance department, you will also serve as the Program Leader for Phoenix operations. You will be accountable for the schedule and budget for Phoenix upgrade projects and for Phoenix operational metrics such as shots per day, uptime, planned/ unplanned maintenance, and schedule adherence.
While leading the Shot Operations and Maintenance department, you will ensure collection of operational lessons learned and establish healthy and constructive feedback mechanisms to the Xcimer design teams to ensure the operability and maintainability of Xcimer’s future laser systems. This includes creating mechanisms to capture daily learnings and leading collection of input from the team for gated reviews.
Responsibilities
Functional Operations and Maintenance Leadership
Lead and directly manage the engineers and technicians in the Shot Operations and Maintenance department
Build and scale a high-performing organization capable of supporting increasing operational throughput and system complexity
Ensure effective staffing models and shift structures to support sustained operations
Recruit, develop, and retain top talent, establishing clear roles, expectations, and career paths
Drive a culture of: Operational Accountability and ownership, Safety and operational rigor, Continuous improvement and learning
Develop and maintain shot operations standards and processes and infrastructure, leading continuous improvement and execution excellence in these areas
Drive the development, standardization, and governance of:
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Operating limits and readiness processes
Maintenance requirements and spares
Ensure strict adherence to safety standards, operating limits, and regulatory requirements
Serve as program manager for Phoenix (the world’s most powerful privately funded laser) operations – accountable for the scope, schedule, and budget of Phoenix operations, maintenance and upgrades
Own integrated planning and execution of shot operations, maintenance campaigns, and major upgrade projects
Establish and lead the program operating rhythm, including:
Program Management Reviews (PMRs)
Weekly execution and planning meetings
Cross-functional alignment forums
Track and manage program risks, dependencies, and critical path, ensuring proactive mitigation
Ensure high-quality data collection, reporting, and communication of operational and program performance
Own the Phoenix operations and maintenance budget, including:
Labor and staffing plans
Operational expenses
Upgrade and capital expenditures (in partnership with Engineering)
Drive cost efficiency while maintaining performance, safety, and schedule commitments
Provide regular forecasting, tracking, and reporting against budget
Drive reduction of technical debt and advocate for design improvements that enhance operability and maintainability
Create systematic collection of operational lessons learned and mechanisms for constructive feedback to designers to ensure the operability and maintainability of Xcimer’s future laser systems.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical field
Experience: 10+ years of experience leading operations of complex, high-energy, or safety-critical technical systems Proven track record of program leadership, including ownership of schedule, budget, and delivery outcomes
Demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing technical teams
Strong systems thinking coupled with a curious, inquiry-driven mindset
Experience implementing process discipline, operational metrics, and continuous improvement frameworks
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 of granted asylum
Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in engineering, physics, or related discipline
Experience with laser systems, pulsed power systems, or large-scale experimental facilities
Background in test operations, commissioning, or high-throughput experimental environments
Experience scaling operations in a rapidly evolving or startup environment
Familiarity with automation, controls systems, and reliability engineering practices
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