Program Director, Directed Energy

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

Qualifications

• 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 m