Light Delivery Lead (f/m/d)

ABOUT FOCUSED ENERGY Focused Energy is building the future of clean energy through laser-driven inertial fusion. Backed by our $240M Series A — the largest fully secured Series A in the global fusion industry — we are scaling rapidly across multiple geographies. Based in Germany and the US, we have brought together the top scientific and engineering minds using proven technologies to unlock fusion power at commercial scale. Focused Energy is working to realize game-changing scientific innovation that promises to deliver a clean, sustainable and abundant source of power globally. YOUR ROLE Lead the development of the beam transport and final focusing technology that delivers laser light to the target for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) at Focused Energy. This is an early-stage technology leadership role: you'll develop key requirements, concepts and technical solutions. You'll lead the work from an unresolved engineering problem to tested concepts and a baseline design, balancing optical performance, large-optic constraints and the radiation environment near the target. 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 judgement and first-principles thinking matter more than having already built an identical system. 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; we value strong technical judgment and the ability to develop innovative solutions in new fields.   WHAT YOU'LL DO • Own the technology development for beam transport and the final focusing assembly, working with systems engineering on requirements and interfaces. • Develop and compare concepts for transporting and focusing high-energy laser beams, including maintaining wavefront quality across large optics and addressing radiation exposure at the final optic. • Turn open technical questions into a structured R&D programme: test competing concepts, gather evidence quickly and retire options that do not meet the requirements. • Establish a baseline concept that enables wider system and facility planning, including the space needed for the final focusing assembly. Make assumptions and trade-offs explicit, and own decisions as evidence evolves. • Build a multi-year technology roadmap, balancing new development with available technology and planning the resources needed to deliver it. • Lead technical specialists, set direction and responsibilities, and build the foundation for the team as the work develops. • Decide whether beam transport should be developed internally or sourced externally. If outsourced, establish the appropriate partnership or contract and manage the technical relationship. • Communicate risks, decisions and progress clearly to cross-functional colleagues and executive leadership.   WHO YOU ARE •A 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. • The ability to make consequential decisions with incomplete information, explain the trade-offs and take responsibility for the outcome. • Experience building a multi-year technology strategy rather than focusing only on the next project milestone. • The 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.   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. - Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks. Our Darmstadt office even offers a canteen with delicious lunch options daily. - Retirement Plan: If you decide for a private pension plan, we will finance 20% on top of your monthly contributions, plus loyalty incentives. - Equipment: We offer state-of-the-art Windows or Apple Laptops. 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.