Experimental Scientist / Experimental Physicist

Hexium•Austin, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Hexium is developing an industrial isotope enrichment capability using advanced laser science and precision engineering. The company is modernizing Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS) to supply isotopes for fusion developers, advanced reactors, national laboratories, and defense programs, and is moving from applied research toward technology demonstration. As an Experimental Scientist on the technology development team, you will investigate physical processes governing lithium isotope separation systems and build measurement capabilities to characterize and improve them. This hands-on role involves technical ownership of complex laboratory hardware, development of new diagnostics, and collaboration with scientists and engineers on problems in atomic physics, spectroscopy, and thermal and vapor dynamics. Your work will advance AVLIS toward industrial-scale operation. This is an on-site, lab-based role in Austin, Texas. The position involves working with high-power lasers, high- and ultra-high-vacuum systems, high-temperature equipment, and reactive alkali metals such as lithium. Employment is contingent on successfully completing a background check. The role will involve exposure to export-controlled information and technology and requires compliance with applicable export control laws and regulations.

Requirements

PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Physical Chemistry, or a related field such as Aerospace, Mechanical, or Nuclear Engineering with an experimental diagnostics focus; alternatively, an MS in one of these fields plus at least 3 years of hands-on experimental work.
At least 2 years of hands-on optical diagnostics experience, including building or substantially modifying the setup; graduate research counts.
Demonstrated experience designing, building, and operating experimental hardware in a laboratory setting.
Strong foundation in physical principles such as heat transfer, fluid or gas dynamics, or electromagnetics, and ability to build models to characterize a test article.
Proficiency in scientific programming, such as Python, for theoretical modeling, data analysis, and visualization.
Hands-on experience with instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition, including calibration and troubleshooting.
Demonstrated ability to independently own technical projects from concept through testing and reporting.
Clear written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work on-site in an active R&D lab with high-power Class 3B/4 lasers, high- and ultra-high-vacuum systems, high-temperature equipment, and reactive alkali metals such as lithium.
Ability to work safely in a compact laboratory with limited floor space and maneuver around equipment, tables, enclosures, and cabling.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including laser safety eyewear, protective gloves, face shields, and lab coats or flame-resistant clothing, and follow laboratory safety and lockout procedures.
Ability to keep eyes above or below laser-beam height whenever lasers are energized, including when working beside or away from the beam path, and adjust body position as needed.
Ability to complete required safety training in laser safety, alkali-metal handling, and vacuum and pressure systems before working independently.
Ability to stand for extended periods and bend, kneel, crouch, and reach while assembling, aligning, and troubleshooting hardware.
Ability to extend arms and reach forward across an optical table for sustained periods to position and adjust optics while maintaining steady hand control.
Ability to perform fine, precise hand work, such as optical alignment and small-component assembly, sometimes in low-light conditions.
Ability to occasionally work extended or off-hours to support experiment runs.
Ability to work at a computer for extended periods for analysis, modeling, and documentation.
Must comply with applicable export control laws and regulations.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing scientific hardware, such as a spectroscopy diagnostic or magnetic sensor array.
Experience designing, assembling, and operating high- or ultra-high-vacuum systems.
Background in thermal engineering, including heater design, thermal modeling, and material selection for extreme environments.
Experience developing laser-based diagnostics, such as scattering, absorption, or fluorescence techniques.
Familiarity with handling reactive or alkali metals and associated safety practices.
Background in atomic, plasma, or applied physics research environments.
Ability to share a portfolio highlighting relevant past work, such as slides, a PDF, or a link.
Currently holds an active DOE Q or Top Secret clearance, or held one within the past 18 months.

Responsibilities

Plan and run experiments to characterize laser isotope separation hardware performance and use results to validate models.
Propose, design, build, calibrate, and deploy vapor, spectroscopic, and electromagnetic diagnostics.
Develop physics-based models of lithium vapor behavior and lithium spectroscopy, and test them against experimental data.
Identify performance limitations and provide clear recommendations for hardware design and operation.
Design test fixtures and experimental setups that enable new measurements.
Support the design, operation, and troubleshooting of lithium-facing systems in collaboration with engineers and technicians.
Document experiments, methods, and results so others can reproduce and build on the work.