Our newest employee, Brad Appel, joined this week in an all-new role of Chief Engineer for Vulcan – our next-generation laser fusion facility designed to integrate the world’s most powerful laser system. Vulcan is a crucial part of Xcimer Energy’s roadmap to commercialize fusion power – and we are confident that Brad’s diverse experience will be instrumental towards achieving our goals.

Brad spent the past eight years at Ursa Major, where he was CTO. Before that, he spent six years at SpaceX, where he led development and qualification for the Merlin engines on Falcon 9. Prior to SpaceX, Brad researched nuclear thermal propulsion. Brad’s background in both aerospace product development and nuclear fission uniquely prepare him for this challenging role.

Brad earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University and a Master’s in Nuclear Engineering from Texas A&M University.

Brad’s unique history of pioneering propulsion for space exploration and nuclear energy is a great fit for Xcimer, where he’ll help engineer Vulcan — and build a world powered by clean, abundant, and ubiquitous fusion energy.

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