Control Systems Engineer II - Applied Science

About the role

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 a Control Systems Engineer II in our Applied Science group, you will help deliver the control, data acquisition, timing, and interlock systems for Xcimer's directed energy program, which is developing multi-kilojoule-class pulsed lasers for air defense applications. Applied Science delivers the test and measurement systems used to validate advanced hardware and first of its kind science.

Working within the Control Systems Engineering department, you will own well-scoped software and integration tasks with day-to-day independence, receiving general direction on new assignments and review of your work from senior engineers, and you will spend real time on the test floor bringing hardware to life.

We are looking for our engineers to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy!

Responsibilities

• Develop control, automation, and data acquisition software in LabVIEW and Python for test and measurement systems, following established architectures and coding standards.
• Integrate instrumentation, DAQ hardware, benchtop equipment, and custom electronics into test systems, with general direction from senior engineers.
• Configure and commission timing, trigger, and interlock hardware for pulsed experiments, and verify sequencing and signal integrity against requirements.
• Interface with instruments and devices over RS-232/422/485, TCP/IP, EtherCAT and other Ethernet-based fieldbuses, and instrument control protocols.
• Write and execute test procedures, record results, and prepare verification reports for review by senior engineers.
• Troubleshoot system, software, and hardware issues on the test floor using systematic diagnostic methods, and document root cause and resulting changes.
• Maintain unit tests, automated regression tests, and version-controlled code within the team's development workflow.
• Support test campaigns, including readiness checks, functional checkout, and on-the-floor support during experiments.
• Gather feedback from operators and experimenters, triage bug reports, and implement improvements.
• Maintain controls documentation such as I/O lists, signal lists, interface definitions, and as-built records, and coordinate with the electrical and operations teams that build from them.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related STEM field; a Master's degree is a plus.
• Experience: Typically 2+ years of relevant experience in control systems, test and measurement, or automation engineering, or a Master's degree with relevant hands-on project experience.
• Solid understanding of:
• LabVIEW development, including modular, version-controlled code
• Python for test automation, instrument control, and data handling
• Core control concepts such as PID control, closed-loop behavior, and state machines
• Ability to read electrical schematics and wiring diagrams and to troubleshoot signals with oscilloscopes, multimeters, and similar lab instrumentation.
• Familiarity with industrial and laboratory communication protocols (RS-232, TCP/IP, Ethernet-based fieldbuses).
• Familiarity with verification and validation practices, including test plans, test procedures, and requirements tracking.
• Experience with version control (Git).
• Ability to work with little day-to-day instruction within defined procedures, exercising judgment on problems of moderate scope and communicating clearly with the team.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance if required by future program work; a clearance is not required at the time of hire.
• 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.

Desired

• Education: Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related STEM field
• Experience in laser, pulsed power, accelerator, aerospace, or national laboratory test environments.
• Exposure to advanced LabVIEW architectures such as an Actor framework.
• Experience with DAQ systems, high-speed digitizers, or timing and synchronization systems.
• Familiarity with industrial control platforms (Beckhoff TwinCAT/EtherCAT, PLCs).
• Exposure to safety-related control concepts, interlocks, or fail-safe design.
• Familiarity with instrumentation standards and interfaces (SCPI, GPIB, USB instruments).
• Familiarity with database management and handling of test data.
• Exposure to sprint-based planning tools and workflows (e.g., Jira).

Benefits

Xcimer offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health, well-being, and long-term success. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; basic and supplemental life insurance; short- and long-term disability; paid parental leave for employees at the time of birth or adoption; and a 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%. 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.
• In addition, employees receive paid sick time, 13 company-paid holidays, and an annual paid company shutdown.
• Benefits are available to regular employees, including part-time and fixed-term roles, as well as interns, with eligibility varying by benefit.