Chief of Staff, Engineering at Xcimer

Xcimer Energy leverages decades of research in inertial fusion energy (IFE) combined with a novel, scalable laser architecture to deliver commercially viable fusion power plants. Our mission is to deploy fusion energy fast enough to materially impact global decarbonization.    As Xcimer’s engineering organization grows from six departments toward ten and beyond, we are seeking a Chief of Staff, Engineering to partner closely with the SVP of Engineering to scale execution, improve operational rigor, and ensure alignment across a rapidly expanding technical organization.    The Chief of Staff, Engineering acts as the operational and strategic extension of the SVP of Engineering. You will drive cross-departmental coordination and planning, improve core execution processes, and ensure consistent visibility into priorities, risks, and progress across the engineering organization. You will also maximize leadership efficiency by managing critical projects, facilitate communication, and drive organizational alignment.   Responsibilities Engineering Operations & Execution • Drive and translate engineering strategy into actionable development frameworks across multiple departments and programs, ensuring alignment across department‑level R&D roadmaps, technology maturation paths, and platform architectures in support of Xcimer’s overall company objectives. • Establish and maintain engineering operating rhythms and team processes that enable fast, strategically aligned decision‑making, including developing meeting agendas, defining required inputs, and driving clear follow‑up and accountability. • Strengthen engineering operating rigor by defining and reinforcing common frameworks for R&D, design maturity, technical reviews, and engineering decision‑making. • Lead the collection and synthesis of engineering inputs into financial and operational planning processes to inform hiring, resourcing, and budgetary decisions. Engineering Leadership Alignment • Act as a bridge between the SVP of Engineering and Engineering Directors to ensure consistent execution, clarity of ownership, and alignment on priorities. • Identify cross‑department dependencies and risks early and support timely escalation and resolution. • Represent engineering priorities, risks, and capacity in program planning and execution forums, ensuring programs are informed by timely, coherent, and technically mature engineering inputs. Organizational Scaling & Capability Development • Support the evolution of the engineering organizational structure as the company scales. • Partner with Directors to clarify roles, responsibilities, and interfaces across departments and programs. • Hold Directors accountable through structure and visibility, including KPIs, standardized reporting, decision logs, and structured escalation mechanisms. Metrics, Reporting, and Communication • Develop and track engineering KPIs that provide visibility into execution health, capacity, and risk. • Prepare concise, executive‑level materials for the SVP of Engineering and other senior leaders. • Ensure consistent communication of engineering priorities, decisions, and risks across the organization. Strategic Engineering Initiatives • Lead cross‑department engineering initiatives that lack a single natural owner, including engineering process improvements, post‑mortems tied to technical execution and readiness, and cross‑discipline R&D coordination efforts. Core Leadership Competencies Strategic Thinking - Skilled at analyzing complex, ambiguous situations and translating insights into clear, actionable strategies that drive results. Exceptional Communication - Delivers concise, high‑impact verbal and written communication tailored for senior‑level, cross‑functional, and high‑stakes environments. Project Management - Proven ability to lead initiatives from conception through execution, ensuring alignment, accountability, and on‑time delivery. Emotional Intelligence - Builds strong relationships across organizations; influences outcomes effectively without relying on positional authority. Operational Acumen - Deep understanding of business operations, financial drivers, and organizational structures to inform sound decision‑making and efficient execution. Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or related field. • 10+ years' experience in complex technical organizations. • 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 in deep-tech or high-reliability domains. • Prior Chief of Staff or senior operations experience. 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.