Laser Optics R&D Program Engineer

Focused Energy is a fusion energy startup with the goal of generating unlimited clean energy to responsibly meet future global demand. 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 skilled and driven Laser Optics R&D Program Engineer to join our team and help us shape the future of energy. This person will lead several R&D programs covering our laser and optical efforts with external partners.

What you’ll do:

• Own multiple concurrent R&D programs end-to-end: scope, schedule, budget, risks, and deliverables covering areas such as optical coatings, nonlinear crystals, and advanced optical technologies. Drive milestone gates, purchase orders, and go/no-go decisions with full accountability.

• Manage a multi-vendor portfolio of specialist optics and crystal suppliers developing different technologies, operating at different wavelengths, and sometimes competing on the same problem. Maintain confidentiality between suppliers where required.

• Work with architects and physicists to define test campaigns and qualification specifications — ensuring they are properly scoped, resourced, and scheduled before handing off to the lab for execution.

• Provide supervision and mentorship to laser engineers and laser technicians responsible for experimental execution, data collection, and test reporting. Ensure data quality, protocol compliance, and timely delivery.

• Identify findings across programs — consolidating experimental results, vendor deliverables, and comparative analyses into clear recommendations for leadership and actionable specifications for vendors.

• Communicate progress, risks, and decisions across all stakeholders — leadership, technical teams, and external partners — keeping everyone aligned without over-burdening them.

Who you are:

• Master's or PhD in Optics, Laser Physics, Photonics, Materials Science, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in optics, photonics, or laser technology — sufficient to engage credibly with suppliers and internal experts on coatings, nonlinear crystals, and laser components.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-partner R&D projects, coordinating external suppliers, research services, and internal teams simultaneously.

• Experience steering technical work packages and coordinating lab activities — you don't need to run every experiment yourself, but you need to know what good looks like.

• Strong orientation toward practical outcomes and industrialisation: able to translate technical results into vendor specifications and programme decisions.

• Fluency in English; self-directed, structured, and comfortable operating in a fast-moving startup environment.

• Preferred: Experience with laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) testing or optical lifetime and reliability characterization.

• Preferred: Knowledge of advanced or emerging optical coating technologies

• Preferred: Experience working with external optics suppliers and/or photonics research institutes

• Preferred: German and/or French language proficiency

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.