1

Cathode Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Direct experience with explosive emission, or cold cathode technologies * Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication processes * Experience with PIC or beam optics simulation codes (e.g., Chicago ...

Senior Pulsed Power Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Direct experience with explosive emission, or cold cathode technologies * Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication processes * Experience with PIC or beam optics simulation codes (e.g., Chicago ...

Pulsed Power Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Direct experience with explosive emission, or cold cathode technologies * Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication processes * Experience with PIC or beam optics simulation codes (e.g., Chicago ...

Pulsed Power Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Direct experience with explosive emission, or cold cathode technologies * Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication processes * Experience with PIC or beam optics simulation codes (e.g., Chicago ...

Accountable for achieving the site copper cathode production plan through disciplined execution of ... Lead, coach, and develop direct reports and indirect employees; establish clear expectations ...

Accountable for achieving the site copper cathode production plan through disciplined execution of ... Lead, coach, and develop direct reports and indirect employees; establish clear expectations ...

Accountable for achieving the site copper cathode production plan through disciplined execution of ... Lead, coach, and develop direct reports and indirect employees;establishclear expectations, provide ...

Operator, Furnace Loader

Denton, TX · On-site

$30 - $32.78/hr

... cathode from flat beds and vans, receive into and out of SAP system with minimal or errors ... plus Direct prior experience in a manufacturing environment with multiple pinch points and hot ...

... cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separator) to battery packs. By integrating the process from raw material to system assembly, Microvast has developed a family of products covering a broad breadth of ...

Operator, Furnace Loader

Denton, TX · On-site

$30 - $32.78/hr

... cathode from flat beds and vans, receive into and out of SAP system with minimal or errors ... plus Direct prior experience in a manufacturing environment with multiple pinch points and hot ...

Manufacturing Engineer II

Mcminnville, OR · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

... APT have a direct and visible impact on product quality, delivery performance, manufacturing ... Schottky emitter assembly; cathode and electron-gun module assembly; tungsten etching; high-voltage ...

Showing results 21-40

Cathode Director information

See salary details

$23.5K

$121.5K

$189.5K

How much do cathode director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for cathode director in the United States is $121,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $147,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cathode director?

Cathode Directors are senior professionals responsible for overseeing the development, production, and optimization of cathode materials used in batteries, particularly in lithium-ion battery manufacturing. Their role involves managing teams, coordinating research and development efforts, ensuring quality control, and collaborating with suppliers and other departments to meet production goals. They play a critical part in advancing battery technology by improving the performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness of cathode materials. Cathode Directors often hold advanced degrees in chemistry, materials science, or engineering, and have extensive experience in battery or materials manufacturing industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cathode director?

To thrive as a Cathode Director, you need expertise in materials science, electrochemistry, and battery technology, often supported by an advanced degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, data analysis software, and quality management systems is typically required. Strong leadership, project management, and cross-functional communication skills help drive innovation and team performance. These competencies ensure the effective development and production of high-performance cathode materials critical to battery manufacturing and company success.

What are the primary challenges a cathode director faces when scaling up new cathode material production lines?

As a Cathode Director, one of the main challenges involves ensuring consistent quality and performance of cathode materials as production scales from pilot to full manufacturing. This typically requires close coordination between R&D, process engineering, and quality assurance teams to troubleshoot process variations and optimize production parameters. Additionally, the role often involves managing supply chain complexities and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to navigate these challenges while meeting project deadlines.

What are popular job titles related to Cathode Director jobs?

For Cathode Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cathode Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,522 per year, or $58.4 per hour.

Pulsed Power Physicist

Denver, CO

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Optimize beam efficiency and energy deposition on target

  • Lead design, fabrication, and testing of cathode systems across multiple emitter technologies

  • Design and optimize hibachi foil/anode grid structures for beam transport efficiency


Job description

Xcimer Energy leverages decades of research on Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) combined with groundbreaking new laser architecture. Our mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. Xcimer has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by leading investors, Xcimer is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. Join us in powering a better world with inertial fusion!
 
This is a full-time, onsite role based at our headquarters in Denver, CO.
 
As a Pulsed Power Physicist, you will work on the science and engineering of electron-beam cathode systems for Xcimer's pulsed power driven inertial fusion energy program. The core goal is maximizing beam efficiency and energy deposition on target. You will lead cathode development across multiple emitter technologies , design and optimize hibachi foil/anode structures for beam transport, and build complex experimental systems from concept through commissioning. This role carries significant independent scientific responsibility. We want someone who is strong in both theory and experiment and rigorous about documentation.
Responsibilities
  • Optimize beam efficiency and energy deposition on target
  • Lead design, fabrication, and testing of cathode systems across multiple emitter technologies (explosive emission, thermionic, photocathodes)
  • Design and optimize hibachi foil/anode grid structures for beam transport efficiency
  • Lead experimental campaigns end-to-end
  • Develop and validate cathode and beam transport models (analytical, PIC, SPICE) to guide design decisions; roughly equal balance of modeling and experimental work
  • Operate and maintain UHV vacuum systems (target < 10^-9 Torr) including bakeout, leak checking, and pumping systems
  • Survey prior art on emitter technologies, beam transport, and cathode physics
  • Own experimental program documentation: test reports, design records, operating procedures, and data management
  • Manage hardware procurement, BOM tracking, and vendor relationships for cathode subsystems
  • Interface with potential commercial emitter suppliers on procurement, packaging, and quality
  • Support integration of cathode systems into larger diode and laser architectures
Qualifications
  • Education: PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or closely related field (MS with exceptional relevant experience considered)
  • Deep expertise in beam diagnostics (Faraday cups, beam imaging, energy analysis, calorimetry)
  • Hands-on experience with vacuum electronics and electron-beam generation
  • Able to independently design experiments, interpret results, and write up findings clearly
  • Experience building and commissioning complex experimental systems end-to-end (mechanical, electrical, vacuum, controls)
  • Familiarity with high-voltage pulsed power systems (100 kV+)
  • Proficiency with lab instrumentation (SMUs, oscilloscopes, HV power supplies)
  • Comfortable working across mechanical, electrical, and physics domains in a small team
  • 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 or granted asylum.
Desired
  • Direct experience with explosive emission, or cold cathode technologies
  • Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication processes    
  • Experience with PIC or beam optics simulation codes (e.g., Chicago, CST, COMSOL)
  • Background in beam transport optimization
  • Track record of thorough technical documentation and hardware program management (procurement, scheduling, vendor coordination)
  • Background in excimer laser or inertial fusion energy systems
Candidates may be considered for other positions at Xcimer Energy, and our actual base salary will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The range is published in accordance with Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and California Equal Pay Act.
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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.