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Focused Energy is a fusion energy startup developing laser-induced inertial fusion technology for clean, scalable power generation. We seek a Laser Architect to serve as the system-level technical lead for laser driver design and validation at the research and pre-pilot stage.
You will define and evolve credible laser driver concepts for inertial fusion energy (IFE), operating primarily in R&D and demonstrator environments where performance exploration, risk reduction, and physics-driven trade studies take priority. Your role bridges laser physics, system architecture, and fusion requirements, guiding the transition from laboratory concepts toward scalable driver solutions.
Key responsibilities:
- Define and refine laser driver concepts suitable for IFE applications
- Explore alternative architectures and assess feasibility through modeling and experiments
- Maintain ownership of the global architectural vision as individual subsystems evolve in parallel
- Define the laser R&D roadmap, including critical component development, integrated beamline demonstrators, and intermediate testbeds
- Work closely with experimental teams to ensure results feed back into architectural decisions
- Support design of diagnostics and test protocols aligned with future scaling needs
You will operate as a system thinker with strong physics intuition, comfortable exploring multiple architectural paths in parallel. You bridge theoretical modeling and experimental reality, communicate technical trade-offs clearly to scientists and leadership, and value quantitative modeling and iterative refinement.
The company offers competitive salary with stock options, 30 days vacation, private pension plan support (15% company contribution), subsidized canteen, fitness access via Wellhub, flexible commuting support via NAVIT, and a collaborative international environment with top-tier scientists and engineers.
Requirements:
- PhD or equivalent experience in laser physics, optical engineering, or related fields
- Deep expertise in high-energy and/or high-average-power laser systems
- Strong background in laser system modeling and scaling analysis
- Demonstrated experience in conceptual design and experimental validation of complex laser systems
- Ability to operate across physics, optics, and systems-level reasoning
- Ability to bridge theoretical modeling and experimental reality
- System-thinking capability with strong physics intuition
- Comfort exploring multiple architectural paths in parallel
- Commitment to quantitative modeling, experimental feedback, and iterative refinement
- Clear communication of technical trade-offs to diverse audiences
