Senior Mechanical Engineer

About Focused Energy

Focused Energy is a fusion energy startup with the goal of commercializing laser-based inertial confinement fusion energy to help meet the world’s need for a clean, safe, and abundant energy supply. Focused Energy is currently seeking to fill multiple Senior Mechanical Engineer roles within the organization.

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our dynamic laser development team. In this pivotal role, you will spearhead the research, conceptualization, design, analysis, construction, and characterization of advanced high-energy laser systems and their sub-systems.

What You’Ll Do

• Gather and develop requirements for systems with stakeholders across all disciplines
• Conceptualize system architectures and layouts based on high-level requirements
• Lead small teams in the design of precision mechanical and opto-mechanical equipment and systems for IFE facilities
• Design mechanical, opto-mechanical, and electro-mechanical equipment and systems
• Validate design work with appropriate analysis (static and modal FEA, hand calculations, etc.)
• Present at design reviews to science and management stakeholders
• Work closely with other disciplines in the design and coordination of activities
• Integrate precision opto-mechanical, fluidic, and electrical hardware, designed both in-house and by subcontractors, into large-scale CAD assemblies that include facility BIM data
• Perform detailed component materials and finish specifications, manage technical data transfer to suppliers, inspect and qualify hardware following procurement
• Assemble prototype hardware; develop and execute test plans for subsystem performance validation
• Utilize large-scale CAD assemblies to provide assembly documentation and installation schedules for opto-mechanical and electrical systems
• Guide and mentor other engineers

Who You Are:

• Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering (Master's or PhD degree a plus).
• Over 10 years of experience as a mechanical design engineer.

• Technical Expertise:

• Proven history of delivering novel and innovative solutions to challenging problems
• Proficiency with 3D CAD packages; Autodesk Inventor (preferred), SolidWorks, etc.
• Thorough knowledge of drafting, tolerance analysis, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Demonstrated experience with FEA - Structural, Modal, Random Vibration with empirical validation
• Practical knowledge of manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, welding) and design for manufacturability (DFM)
• Experience specifying components for precision design: linear stages, rotary motors, encoders, optical sensors, pneumatic components, vacuum components, etc.
• Full design lifecycle experience including design, procurement, assembly, and test of mechanical systems
• Experience with cleanroom procedures, high-voltage, and high-vacuum environments
• Experience with Product Data Management Systems; Autodesk Vault (preferred)
• Preferred: Deep understanding of laser physics and engineering, especially in high-energy and high-power systems.
• Preferred: Proven experience in designing, building, and testing laser systems.
• Capability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Applicants should be able to work both autonomously as well as collaboratively to execute tasks in support of various teams within the company
• Innovation: Proven track record of innovative problem-solving and producing complex high-tech products.
• Communication Skills: Advanced written and verbal communication skills in English are necessary to deliver presentations, prepare written reports, explain technical information, and provide advice to project sponsors and external collaborators. German is a plus, but not required.
• You are a team player and have a strong social sensitivity and emotional intelligence.
• With your structured and proactive personality, you like to take responsibility and always take the initiative even in challenging situations.
• With your strong hands-on mentality, you enjoy helping shape the success in a dynamic, innovative company.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering (Master's or PhD degree a plus).
• Over 10 years of experience as a mechanical design engineer.
• Proven history of delivering novel and innovative solutions to challenging problems
• Proficiency with 3D CAD packages; Autodesk Inventor (preferred), SolidWorks, etc.
• Thorough knowledge of drafting, tolerance analysis, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Demonstrated experience with FEA - Structural, Modal, Random Vibration with empirical validation
• Practical knowledge of manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, welding) and design for manufacturability (DFM)
• Experience specifying components for precision design: linear stages, rotary motors, encoders, optical sensors, pneumatic components, vacuum components, etc.
• Applicants should be able to work both autonomously as well as collaboratively to execute tasks in support of various teams within the company
• Full design lifecycle experience including design, procurement, assembly, and test of mechanical systems
• Experience with cleanroom procedures, high-voltage, and high-vacuum environments
• Experience with Product Data Management Systems; Autodesk Vault (preferred)
• Preferred: Deep understanding of laser physics and engineering, especially in high-energy and high-power systems.
• Preferred: Proven experience in designing, building, and testing laser systems.
• Capability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Full design lifecycle experience including design, procurement, assembly, and test of mechanical systems
• Experience with cleanroom procedures, high-voltage, and high-vacuum environments
• Experience with Product Data Management Systems; Autodesk Vault (preferred)
• Preferred: Deep understanding of laser physics and engineering, especially in high-energy and high-power systems.
• Preferred: Proven experience in designing, building, and testing laser systems.
• Capability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

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.