Hexium
Hexium is building critical national infrastructure: an industrial isotope enrichment capability based on advanced laser science and precision engineering.
We're modernizing Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS), combining advanced laser science, experimental physics, and precision engineering to develop a scalable industrial enrichment platform that supplies isotopes that fusion developers, advanced reactors, national labs, and defense programs depend on. We're moving from applied research to technology demonstration, and we need scientists who can make hard hardware measurably better.
Role
As an Experimental Scientist on the technology development team, you'll investigate the physical processes that govern our lithium isotope separation systems and build the measurement capabilities needed to characterize and improve them.
This is a hands-on role with real technical ownership. You’ll work directly with complex laboratory hardware, develop new diagnostics, and collaborate with scientists and engineers on hard questions in atomic physics, spectroscopy, and thermal and vapor dynamics. Your work will directly advance AVLIS from applied research toward industrial-scale operation.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and run experiments that characterize the performance of our laser isotope separation hardware, and use the results to validate models.
Propose, design, and build new vapor, spectroscopic, and electromagnetic diagnostics, from concept through calibration and deployment.
Develop physics-based models of lithium vapor behavior and lithium spectroscopy, and test them against experimental data.
Identify performance limitations and turn findings into clear recommendations for hardware design and operation.
Design test fixtures and experimental setups that enable new measurements.
Support the design, operation, and troubleshooting of lithium-facing systems, working closely with engineers and technicians.
Document experiments, methods, and results so others can reproduce and build on them.
Required Qualifications
PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Physical Chemistry, or a related field such as Aerospace, Mechanical, or Nuclear Engineering with an experimental diagnostics focus; or an MS in one of these fields plus 3+ years of hands-on experimental work
2+ years of hands-on optical diagnostics experience (graduate research counts), including building or substantially modifying the setup
Demonstrated experience designing, building, and operating experimental hardware in a laboratory setting
Strong foundation in physical understanding (e.g., heat transfer, fluid/gas dynamics, or electromagnetics) and the ability to build models to characterize a test article
Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python) for theoretical modeling, data analysis, and visualization
Hands-on experience with instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition, including calibration and troubleshooting
Demonstrated track record of independently owning technical projects from concept through testing and reporting
Clear written and verbal communication skills
This role will be exposed to export-controlled information and technology and requires compliance with applicable export control laws and regulations
Preferred Qualifications
Experience developing scientific hardware (e.g. a spectroscopy diagnostic, or magnetic sensor array)
Experience designing, assembling, and operating high- or ultra-high-vacuum systems
Background in thermal engineering, including heater design, thermal modeling, and material selection for extreme environments
Experience with laser-based diagnostics development (e.g., scattering, absorption, or fluorescence techniques)
Familiarity with handling reactive or alkali metals and the associated safety practices
Background in atomic, plasma, or applied physics research environments
Plus
You can share a portfolio that highlights your past relevant work (slides, pdf, link, etc.)
Currently holds an active DOE Q clearance or active Top…