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Focused Energy is building the future of clean energy through laser-driven inertial fusion, backed by a $240M Series A—the largest fully secured Series A in the global fusion industry. The company operates across Germany and the US, bringing together top scientific and engineering talent to unlock fusion power at commercial scale.
You will lead the development of beam transport and final focusing technology that delivers laser light to the target for inertial confinement fusion (ICF). This is an early-stage technology leadership role where you'll develop key requirements, concepts, and technical solutions, taking the work from an unresolved engineering problem through tested concepts to a baseline design. You'll balance optical performance, large-optic constraints, and the radiation environment near the target.
Key responsibilities include:
- Own technology development for beam transport and final focusing assembly, working with systems engineering on requirements and interfaces
- Develop and compare concepts for transporting and focusing high-energy laser beams, maintaining wavefront quality across large optics and addressing radiation exposure
- Convert open technical questions into a structured R&D program: test competing concepts, gather evidence quickly, and retire options that don't meet requirements
- Establish a baseline concept enabling wider system and facility planning, including space requirements for the final focusing assembly
- Build a multi-year technology roadmap, balancing new development with available technology and planning required resources
- Lead technical specialists, set direction and responsibilities, and build the team foundation as work develops
- Decide whether beam transport should be developed internally or sourced externally; if outsourced, establish partnerships and manage technical relationships
- Communicate risks, decisions, and progress clearly to cross-functional colleagues and executive leadership
You'll build a technology strategy for the next three to five years, making decisions about R&D, space, budget, and potential partners before every answer is available. Strong technical judgment and first-principles thinking matter more than having already built an identical system.
The company offers competitive salary with stock options, 30 days vacation, private pension plan support (20% company contribution), state-of-the-art equipment, flexible commuting support via NAVIT, wellness access through Wellhub, and regular team events.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Strong technical foundation in high-energy laser systems or relevant large-optic technologies, sufficient to lead concept development and evaluate technical risks. Experience with small-beam high-power systems alone does not address the full challenge of this role.
- Evidence of solving unfamiliar technical problems through first-principles reasoning, experimentation, and iterative concept development
- Experience leading technical teams, setting direction, resolving disagreements, and creating ownership and accountability
- Ability to make consequential decisions with incomplete information, explain trade-offs, and take responsibility for outcomes
- Experience building multi-year technology strategy rather than focusing only on next project milestone
- Ability to work across engineering disciplines, listen to specialists, and communicate clearly with VP- and C-level stakeholders
- Comfort working through evolving requirements and extended periods of uncertainty without losing direction
Relevant experience may include laser systems, large-optic development, aerospace, telescope optics, or directed-energy applications. Prior experience with this specific problem is not required.
