{"id":3703150,"url":"https://alion.io/job/hexium-experimental-scientist-experimental-physicist","title":"Experimental Scientist / Experimental Physicist","company":{"id":680807,"name":"Hexium","domain":"hexium.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/hexium","size_band":"1-10","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":null},"role":"Science & Research","role_family":"Science & Research","seniority":"middle","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"explicit","locations":["Austin, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":3,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[{"name":"Python","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-11-03T19:28:19Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-11-03","last_verified_at":"2026-11-07T16:53:09Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":4,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":4},"description":"Hexium\nHexium is building critical national infrastructure: an industrial isotope enrichment capability based on advanced laser science and precision engineering.\nWe'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.\nRole\nAs 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. \nThis 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.\nKey Responsibilities\nPlan and run experiments that characterize the performance of our laser isotope separation hardware, and use the results to validate models.\nPropose, design, and build new vapor, spectroscopic, and electromagnetic diagnostics, from concept through calibration and deployment.\nDevelop physics-based models of lithium vapor behavior and lithium spectroscopy, and test them against experimental data.\nIdentify performance limitations and turn findings into clear recommendations for hardware design and operation.\nDesign test fixtures and experimental setups that enable new measurements.\nSupport the design, operation, and troubleshooting of lithium-facing systems, working closely with engineers and technicians.\nDocument experiments, methods, and results so others can reproduce and build on them.\nRequired Qualifications\nPhD 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 \n2+ years of hands-on optical diagnostics experience (graduate research counts), including building or substantially modifying the setup \nDemonstrated experience designing, building, and operating experimental hardware in a laboratory setting \nStrong foundation in physical understanding (e.g., heat transfer, fluid/gas dynamics, or electromagnetics) and the ability to build models to characterize a test article \nProficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python) for theoretical modeling, data analysis, and visualization \nHands-on experience with instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition, including calibration and troubleshooting \nDemonstrated track record of independently owning technical projects from concept through testing and reporting\nClear written and verbal communication skills \nThis role will be exposed to export-controlled information and technology and requires compliance with applicable export control laws and regulations\nPreferred Qualifications\nExperience developing scientific hardware (e.g. a spectroscopy diagnostic, or magnetic sensor array)\nExperience designing, assembling, and operating high- or ultra-high-vacuum systems\nBackground in thermal engineering, including heater design, thermal modeling, and material selection for extreme environments\nExperience with laser-based diagnostics development (e.g., scattering, absorption, or fluorescence techniques) \nFamiliarity with handling reactive or alkali metals and the associated safety practices\nBackground in atomic, plasma, or applied physics research environments\nPlus\nYou can share a portfolio that highlights your past relevant work (slides, pdf, link, etc.)\nCurrently holds an active DOE Q clearance or active Top Secret clearance, or have held DOE Q / Top Secret clearance within the past 18 months\nPhysical Requirements\nAbility 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.\nAbility 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.\nAbility 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.\nAbility 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.\nAbility to complete required safety training (laser safety, alkali-metal handling, vacuum and pressure systems) before working independently.\nAbility to stand for extended periods and to bend, kneel, crouch, and reach while assembling, aligning, and troubleshooting hardware.\nAbility to extend arms and reach forward across an optical table, often for sustained periods, to position and adjust optics while maintaining steady hand control.\nAbility to perform fine, precise hand work, such as optical alignment and small-component assembly, sometimes in low-light conditions.\nAbility to occasionally work extended or off-hours to support experiment runs.\nAbility to work at a computer for extended periods for analysis, modeling, and documentation.\n\nWork Environment\nOn-site, lab-based role based in Austin, TX.\nBenefits\nStock Options\nPaid Time Off\n401(k) Matching\nMedical, Dental, Vision insurance\nHSA & FSAs\nE-Verify: Hexium Inc. participates in E-Verify. All new hires are required to complete the I-9 employment eligibility verification form and provide documentation to confirm their identity and authorization to work in the United States.\nScreening: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.\nPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. \nHexium Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Hexium Inc. is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities upon request. 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