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 VP of Legal Affairs to help establish and scale our in-house legal function. You will be a trusted legal advisor across the business, helping us build the right structures from day one. Based in Germany, you’ll work closely with the executive team and technical leaders in both Germany and the U.S. to develop legal processes, protect critical IP, and ensure compliance with export control and regulatory frameworks.
What you’ll do:
Legal Infrastructure & Compliance: Establish scalable legal processes, templates, and compliance systems to support a growing international organization.
Intellectual Property Strategy: Define and execute an IP strategy in partnership with R&D teams, managing filings and integrating IP into product development.
Commercial Agreements: Draft, negotiate, and standardize key contracts to support operations, partnerships, and vendor relationships.
Export Control & Data Regulations: Ensure compliance with German, EU, and U.S. export control and data protection laws through clear frameworks and documentation.
Cross-Border Coordination: Align legal practices and regulatory requirements across German and U.S. entities for smooth global operations.
Strategic Legal Partnering: Advise leadership and cross-functional teams on legal risks, opportunities, and trade-offs tied to business strategy.
Fundraising & Diligence Support: Support corporate fundraising efforts by managing legal diligence, investor agreements, and corporate governance.
Who you are:
8+ years of legal experience, including time in-house, ideally in an international or technology-driven environment.
Strong knowledge of German and U.S. legal frameworks, particularly in regulatory compliance, contracts, and export controls.
Experience supporting or coordinating IP protection with technical teams and external counsel.
Skilled in structuring and negotiating contracts in both commercial and research contexts.
Fluent in both German and English, with strong communication skills.
Proactive, pragmatic, and comfortable working in an evolving startup setting.
Preferred: Experience in energy, tech, or research-driven companies.
Preferred: Exposure to venture capital, fundraising, or corporate development activities.
Why Work with Us?
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.
