Focused Energy is a fusion energy startup with the goal of generating unlimited clean energy to responsibly meet future global demand. The founders include two highly renowned scientists and a long-time entrepreneur and founder of several successful startups. With the use and commercialization of laser-induced inertial fusion, a clean and highly efficient power generation technology is coming within reach, suitable to ensure a secure and scalable future energy supply.
We are seeking a Lead Controls Engineer to define, design, and lead the development and integration of the control system for our fusion research facility in Germany. This position combines deep technical responsibility with team and project leadership across electrical, mechanical, and laser systems. You will be part of a collaborative engineering and scientific team dedicated to delivering high-performance, safety-critical control systems.
What you’ll do:
Define and oversee the control system design for a complex laser-based fusion research facility, ensuring scalability and performance.
Collaborate across engineering disciplines—including laser, target, diagnostics, facility, mechanical, electrical, software, and physics teams—to develop an integrated control platform.
Design robust, intuitive user interface systems and integrate third-party hardware/software to enable seamless data flow and interoperability.
Lead the development of safety-related controls in accordance with IEC and ISO standards, collaborating on interlocks, e-stops, and SIL-rated loops.
Ensure all control systems comply with German and broader European electrical safety and regulatory requirements.
Lead FAT, SAT, and commissioning efforts, while developing startup plans and long-term lifecycle support strategies for calibration and maintenance.
Provide mentorship to internal engineers and oversight of vendors/suppliers involved in control systems design and implementation.
Who you are:
Degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
Minimum 8 years of experience designing and delivering industrial or scientific control systems.
Strong experience with industrial automation platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen- Bradley, EPICS).
Proven experience with system integration of lasers, vacuum equipment, diagnostics, or motion systems.
Deep knowledge of control safety standards (e.g., IEC 61508, ISO 13849) and commissioning methodologies (e.g., V-model).
Experience leading engineering teams or multidisciplinary projects.
Strong communication skills in English; German proficiency is beneficial but not required.
Preferred: Experience working in R&D facilities, laser labs, or scientific accelerator environments.
Preferred: Familiarity with SCADA systems, distributed control architectures, and timing synchronization networks.
Preferred: Programming experience in LabVIEW, Python, or C++ for hardware control and automation.
What we offer:
Innovative Technology & Mission: Be part of a cutting-edge company working on groundbreaking research in clean energy and scientific discovery.
Career Development: We invest in our people. This is an opportunity to join an early, growing company at the forefront of new technology, where you’ll have the opportunity to develop and grow your career.
Collaborative Culture: Work with great people in a dynamic, international environment with top-tier scientists, engineers and professionals passionate about solving global challenges.
Ownership: Take ownership from day 1 and drive impact by making decisions, solving challenges and shaping the future of our company.
Your Success is our Success: We offer a competitive salary and company ownership in the form of stock options, giving you a direct stake in our success and ownership in what we build together.
Vacation Days: We support your work-life-balance by granting you 30 days of vacation per year.
Flexibility: We believe work should adapt to your life—not the other way around. That’s why we offer a hybrid setup, giving you the freedom to work from our office while also enjoying the flexibility to work from home when it suits you.
Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks. Our Darmstadt office even offers a subsidized canteen with delicious lunch options daily.
Retirement Plan: If you decide for a private pension plan, we will finance 15% on top of your monthly contributions.
Equipment: Choose between a state-of-the-art Windows or Apple Laptop. In addition, you will receive a keyboard, mouse and headset so you are fully equipped from day 1.
Events: We organize regular events to foster team bonding, encourage collaboration, and build a strong, supportive company culture. Connect with colleagues across departments, share ideas, and have fun together, both in and outside of the workplace.
Mobility with NAVIT: We partner with NAVIT to support your flexible commuting needs—whether it’s a public transportation ticket, taxi rides or car-sharing you choose what fits your lifestyle.
Fitness with Wellhub: We care about your health. Get access to a wide range of gyms, fitness studios and wellness services across Europe through our partnership with Wellhub.
Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits.