Summer 2027 Internship - Experimental Lasers (Graduate)

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 12-week summer internship based at our headquarters in Denver, CO.

As an Experimental Lasers Graduate Intern, you will apply your skills to owning a scoped experiment on the pulsed laser systems and diagnostics that support Xcimer's excimer laser development, from first-order model and test plan through measured result. You will be paired with a mentor in the Experimental Lasers group, on a project scoped to your research background. We are looking for our physicists and engineers to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy!

Responsibilities

• Own a scoped experiment through a 12-week cycle: define the question and success criteria, write the test plan, run it, and report the result.
• Build first-order physics models from the literature to size the experiment and interpret the data.
• Assemble, align, and operate pulsed laser systems and beamlines, working with Experimental Lasers staff and with optical and controls engineers.
• Design and calibrate pulse diagnostics, and quantify the uncertainty in what they measure.
• Present results at team reviews and a company-wide Lunch and Learn, and document the work so the team can build on it.

Qualifications

• Education: Enrolled in, or admitted to, an MS or PhD program in physics, optics, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Hands-on research or thesis work using lasers or optical systems.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including presenting technical results.
• Available to work full-time onsite in Denver for all 12 weeks.
• 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

• Hands-on experience operating pulsed lasers or nonlinear frequency conversion.
• Demonstrated ability to calibrate energy, temporal, spectral, or beam-profile diagnostics and analyze the data in Python, MATLAB, or similar.
• Skilled at working safely with vacuum systems, high voltage, or Class 4 lasers.
• Track record of planning and running experiments independently, from alignment through data analysis.

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.