Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer

Xcimer Energy•Quinte West, ON

1d•$190,000 - $220,000•Onsite

About The Position

Xcimer Energy is seeking a Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer to technically lead the design, specification, procurement, and integration of a high-speed custom adaptive optics system for advanced laser beamlines. This role will serve as the technical authority for adaptive optics within the organization and will work closely with vendors, internal engineering teams, and system stakeholders to deliver a fully integrated and operational system. We are looking for our engineers and scientists to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy!

Requirements

Advanced degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field
8+ years of experience in adaptive optics, wavefront sensing and control, or closely related high speed optical control systems
Demonstrated hands on experience working with laser beams, including propagation, beam quality, wavefront control, and interaction with real optical hardware
Experience developing or integrating adaptive optics specifically for laser-based systems
Proven experience specifying, integrating, and testing fast adaptive optics hardware and real time control systems in laboratory or operational environments
Hands-on experience with deformable mirrors, wavefront sensors, and high bandwidth feedback control
Proven ability to work directly with external vendors on custom optical and electro optical systems
Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reviews, requirements definition, and cross team coordination
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

Nice To Haves

Experience with directed energy systems, including high power or high intensity laser platforms
Experience delivering custom adaptive optics systems from concept through commissioning
Prior experience mentoring engineers or leading technical teams
Familiarity with real time software, FPGA based control, or low latency computing architectures
Experience in laboratory and operational environments requiring high reliability and uptime

Responsibilities

Serve as the technical lead for the adaptive optics system, from requirements definition through integration and commissioning
Define system level requirements and performance budgets for fast adaptive optics, including wavefront sensors, deformable mirrors, real time controllers, and diagnostics
Lead trade studies and architecture decisions for high bandwidth, low latency correction systems integrated into laser or photon beamlines
Ensure system designs meet performance, reliability, and operability requirements
Lead technical engagement with commercial and research vendors delivering adaptive optics components and subsystems
Develop technical specifications, statements of work, and acceptance criteria for externally supplied hardware and software
Oversee vendor design reviews, factory acceptance tests, and delivery milestones
Act as the primary technical interface for resolving performance, schedule, and integration issues with suppliers
Lead assembly, integration, and test of the adaptive optics system within the beamline environment
Define laboratory and in situ test plans to validate performance and closed loop operation
Work closely with beamline, controls, and laser system teams to ensure seamless system integration
Support commissioning activities and transition to reliable operations
Establish technical standards, documentation practices, and development workflows for the Adaptive Optics group
Mentor and guide engineers and scientists working on adaptive optics and wavefront control topics
Participate in hiring and onboarding as the group expands
Gradually assume formal people management responsibilities, including goal setting, performance feedback, and resource planning, if desired.