Senior Principal Embedded Engineer

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! As a Sr. Principal Embedded Engineer , you will act as a technical authority and engineering leader, responsible for architecting and delivering complex embedded systems across a diverse range of applications. This role combines deep technical execution with strategic leadership, including shaping technical direction, mentoring engineers, and driving system-level decisions across the full product lifecycle from concept development through production and sustainment. Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, and delivery of advanced embedded systems, including high-speed mixed-signal PCB design and embedded firmware.
• Own end-to-end product lifecycle execution, including requirements definition, feasibility analysis, system architecture, prototyping, validation, production release, and post-production sustainment.
• Design and develop multi-layer PCBs incorporating high-speed digital, analog, RF, and power electronics subsystems.
• Develop embedded firmware and platform software using C/C++, RTOS, and/or embedded Linux.
• Drive hardware/firmware/software integration, ensuring performance, reliability, and scalability in complex systems.
• Lead system-level technical decision making, including component selection, platform selection, trade studies, and risk mitigation.
• Guide design verification and validation, including unit testing, integration testing, compliance testing, and certification readiness (e.g., FCC, CE, UL).
• Serve as a technical leader and mentor, providing guidance, coaching, and technical oversight to multidisciplinary teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical, systems, software, manufacturing, controls) and external stakeholders to deliver integrated solutions.
• Support stakeholder engagement, including technical presentations, solution definition, and expectation management.
• Drive improvements in engineering processes, tools, and development methodologies to enhance execution quality and consistency.
• Oversee productization activities, including DFM/DFT, supplier engagement, production ramp, and field support.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related STEM field.
• Experience: Typically 12+ years of experience in embedded systems engineering with demonstrated technical leadership.
• Deep expertise in:
  • PCB design (high-speed digital, mixed-signal, RF, and power electronics)
  • Signal integrity, EMI/EMC, and robust hardware design practices
• Strong embedded firmware experience in C/C++, with exposure to RTOS (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, RTX) and/or embedded Linux.
• Extensive experience with microcontrollers and embedded platforms (ARM Cortex, STM32, NXP, TI, Silicon Labs, etc.).
• Strong working knowledge of communication protocols, including SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet, USB, and wireless interfaces.
• Experience with version control systems (Git) and modern collaborative development workflows.
• Proven experience implementing unit testing, automated testing, and CI/CD workflows.
• Demonstrated success delivering complex products from concept through production and field support.
• Strong expertise in debugging and root-cause analysis using lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers).
• Excellent communication skills with experience working in customer-facing or cross-functional environments.
• 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

Desired

• Experience with high-speed interfaces (DDR, PCIe, SerDes, high-speed ADC/DACs).
• Familiarity with FPGA design and integration (Xilinx/AMD, Microchip).
• Experience with RF systems, wireless communication, and antenna integration.
• Knowledge of power electronics and motor control systems.
• Experience with compliance and certification processes (FCC, CE, UL, CSA, PTCRB).
• Proficiency in supporting tools and languages such as Python or C# for test automation and tooling.
• Experience leading distributed or offshore engineering teams.
• Background in multi-disciplinary system design (hardware, firmware, software, and mechanical integration).
• Exposure to AI/ML-enabled engineering workflows or advanced automation tools.

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.