Program Director, Directed Energy in Denver, Colorado at XCimer Energy
NewSalary: $200000 - $250000Job Function: Executive/Management
XCimer Energy
Denver, Colorado, 80202, United States
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Job Description
Program Director, Directed Energy
$200,000 - $250,000 a year
Xcimer Energy’s core mission is to enable practical fusion energy by delivering a step-change in laser performance and cost. We are developing the highest-energy excimer lasers on the planet, scaling high-energy, high-repetition-rate ultraviolet laser systems based on a breakthrough architecture and decades of deep science. While this technology is foundational to our fusion roadmap, it is also a platform with the potential to be game-changing for other demanding applications, including directed energy and broader national security missions. Xcimer is assembling a team of leaders in lasers, pulsed power, optics, controls, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by leading investors and mission-aligned partners, we are positioned to transition our laser technology from R&D to prototype demonstration and ultimately to production-ready systems.
While our low-cost excimer laser technology is core to our fusion energy future, it also enables other exciting applications. As the Program Director, Directed Energy, you will lead end-to-end engineering execution for a high-visibility directed energy program centered on the excimer laser technology under development at Xcimer. You will drive delivery from early R&D through prototype demonstration and transition to production/fielding—owning technical performance, schedule, cost, and risk. This is a build-and-deliver role: you’ll run integrated product teams across engineering, science, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality to turn designs into tested hardware and verified capability. You will ensure the program delivers against commitments and is ready for integration and test in support of company objectives.
Responsibilities- Own end-to-end program execution of a hundred-million dollar element of work within a billion dollar development program: scope, WBS/IMS, cost, schedule, technical performance, and delivery commitments.
- Establish and run program execution cadence (IPT rhythms, technical reviews, metrics) and provide clear, decision-oriented status to executives.
- Lead integrated product teams (IPTs) across laser physics, optics, pulsed power, controls/software, thermal, mechanical, reliability, and safety to deliver integrated builds.
- Build and manage budgets, staffing plans, and make/buy decisions; coordinate with Finance on forecasting and reporting.
- Own program risk management: identify/quantify risks, drive mitigation plans, and manage technical and schedule margin.
- Plan and execute system engineering events and reviews (SRR/PDR/CDR), test readiness reviews, integration events, and demonstrations; drive fast closure of actions and anomalies.
- Lead execution with external partners—including prime integrators, subcontractors, and suppliers—defining technical interfaces, statements of work, deliverables, acceptance criteria, and on-time/quality performance.
- Ensure program compliance and execution rigor (export controls/ITAR/EAR as applicable, security requirements, cybersecurity, configuration/data management, and laser/system safety).
- Drive transition-to-integration readiness: produce integration packages (ICDs, test data, as-built/configuration records), support prime contractor integration, and ensure deliverables meet DoD-relevant qualification expectations
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- Experience: 15+ years leading delivery of complex hardware programs (electro-optical/laser systems strongly preferred), including multi-disciplinary engineering, build/integration, and test/verification; 5+ years leading cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrated ownership of cost/schedule/technical performance, including building and managing an integrated master schedule and milestone-driven execution.
- Technical fluency across relevant domains (lasers/optics, pulsed power, controls, thermal/mechanical, test & instrumentation) with the ability to drive trade studies and make decisions with technical leads.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing hundred-million-dollar budgets; EVMS/EIA-748 familiarity is a plus.
- Strong technical communication skills: able to run design/test reviews, write crisp decision memos, and align stakeholders (engineering, manufacturing, quality, and external integrators) around the plan.
- Proven leader who builds high-performing teams, sets clear accountability, and drives execution in matrixed environments.
- Working knowledge of quality systems and product lifecycle practices (requirements management, configuration management, formal reviews, and corrective action).
- Ability to operate in ambiguity and deliver results in an R&D-intensive, fast-moving organization; strong judgment and bias for action.
- Must have an active U.S. government issued security clearance (secret or above) or the ability to obtain such in the future.
Experience transitioning R&D technology to prime contractors/integrators (interface control, integration support, qualification evidence, and production ramp readiness) for DoD programs.
Candidates may be considered for other positions at Xcimer Energy, and our actual base salary will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The range is published in accordance with Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and California Equal Pay Act.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Xcimer Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. Xcimer Energy hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Xcimer Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information on “EEO Is the Law,” please see here and here.
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.
$200,000 - $250,000 a year
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Job Location
Denver, Colorado, 80202, United States
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