Program Element Lead

About the role

You will own the end-to-end strategy and execution for site and structural infrastructure critical to our first fusion energy plant. You will translate high-level energy goals into detailed facility plans that satisfy safety, regulatory, and operational requirements. You will coordinate across engineering, construction, and operations to ensure projects move efficiently from concept to commissioning. You will manage complex interfaces between the Vulcan laser systems and the surrounding built environment. You will establish the procurement and contracting framework that governs how facilities are sourced and delivered. You will lead the development of site infrastructure schedules that keep the overall program on track. You will ensure that construction deliverables align with commissioning and operational readiness expectations. You will represent the site and structures discipline in cross-functional decisions that impact cost, schedule, and performance.

Key facts

What you'll do

Define the master site and structural infrastructure plan for the Athena fusion pilot plant and Vulcan laser facility, integrating scope, schedule, and budget.

Develop detailed requirements for civil, structural, geotechnical, and seismic performance criteria that guide design and verification activities.

Lead the front-end engineering design process, translating facility needs into coherent architectural, structural, and systems specifications.

Establish and manage a rigorous procurement strategy for site infrastructure, including selection of contractors, vendors, and specialty consultants.

Oversee construction execution for facility elements, coordinating schedules, quality control, and safety compliance across multiple workstreams.

Implement commissioning protocols that validate structural, mechanical, and safety systems performance before operational handover.

Drive interface management between laser systems engineering and site infrastructure teams to resolve conflicts and optimize integration.

Own risk and opportunity management for site and structures, maintaining issue logs, mitigation plans, and contingency strategies.

Champion continuous improvement in construction methods, prefabrication, and modular approaches to accelerate delivery and reduce costs.

Represent Xcimer in external stakeholder forums related to site development, regulatory interactions, and community engagement.

Develop and maintain detailed documentation of specifications, standards, and test protocols for facilities and structural elements.

Support the development of facility operational readiness checks, ensuring that infrastructure is prepared for laser systems integration.

Lead cross-functional design reviews and constructability analyses to ensure that facility concepts are practical and buildable.

Establish metrics and reporting cadence for infrastructure performance, schedule health, and delivery milestones.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident eligible for a security clearance due to the nature of energy and advanced technology work.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship at this time.

Must possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline as a baseline qualification.

Must demonstrate experience managing complex, capital-intensive projects in heavy industry or advanced technology environments.

Must have a track record of delivering large-scale infrastructure projects, including planning, design oversight, and construction coordination.

Must be comfortable working with high-power laser systems and the associated safety, shielding, and reliability requirements.

Must have strong written and verbal communication skills to interface effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Must be able to travel domestically for project reviews, vendor audits, and construction oversight as required.

Nice to have

Experience with fusion, energy, or advanced manufacturing facilities is highly valued.

Familiarity with laser-based infrastructure and high-energy systems is preferred.

Background in site civil, structural, or geotechnical engineering is a strong advantage.

Experience managing procurement and contracting for large-scale industrial projects.

Knowledge of commissioning and qualification processes for complex energy facilities.

Understanding of modular construction, prefabrication, and accelerated project delivery methods.

Exposure to regulatory and permitting processes for energy infrastructure projects.

Practical notes

This is a full-time, onsite role based at our headquarters in Denver, CO.

Travel may be required domestically for project reviews, vendor audits, and construction oversight.