Experimental Scientist / Experimental Physicist

Hexium, Austin, TX +1

The role

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.

All jobs

Experimental Scientist / Experimental Physicist

Hexium, Austin, TX +1

The role

Role

What you need

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

Physical Requirements

Ability to work on-site in an active R&D lab with high-power (Class 3B/4) lasers, high- and ultra-high-vacuum systems, high-temperature equipment, and reactive alkali metals such as lithium.
Ability to work safely in a compact lab with limited floor space, working in close quarters with equipment and teammates and maneuvering around tables, enclosures, and cabling.
Ability to wear required PPE, including laser safety eyewear, protective gloves, face shields, and lab coats or flame-resistant clothing, and to follow lab safety and lockout procedures.
Ability to keep eyes above or below the height of the laser beams at all times while lasers are energized, including when working beside or away from the beam path, adjusting body position as needed.
Ability to complete required safety training (laser safety, alkali-metal handling, vacuum and pressure systems) before working independently.
Ability to stand for extended periods and to bend, kneel, crouch, and reach while assembling, aligning, and troubleshooting hardware.
Ability to extend arms and reach forward across an optical table, often for sustained periods, to position and adjust optics while maintaining steady hand control.
Ability to perform fine, precise hand work, such as optical alignment and small-component assembly, sometimes in low-light conditions.
Ability to occasionally work extended or off-hours to support experiment runs.
Ability to work at a computer for extended periods for analysis, modeling, and documentation.

Experimental Scientist / Experimental Physicist

The role

Experimental Scientist / Experimental Physicist

The role

What you will do

What you need

Required Qualifications

Physical Requirements

Nice to have

Preferred Qualifications

Plus

Work Environment

Pay and benefits

About Hexium

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Company facts

Hexium