Permitting and Regulatory Compliance Manager (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 You will own Focused Energy's permitting and regulatory pathway across our regulated technical facilities, from early feasibility through construction, commissioning, and handover to Operations. You will build and run the integrated permitting strategy under the direction of the Senior Project Manager / Programme Director, and act as our primary contact with competent German authorities. Your work will ensure regulatory requirements shape design, procurement, and construction decisions, with a particular focus on the Biblis site transition and the evolving German fusion regulatory framework. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Develop and maintain the integrated permitting strategy, including authority mapping, submission schedules, permit and conditions registers, and regulatory-risk forecasts. - Lead coordinated engagement with municipal, district, Hessian state, and federal authorities, aligning submissions and commitments with the approved project strategy. - Own permitting coordination for the Biblis nuclear-site transition, including RWE decommissioning interfaces, existing licences, radiation-protection arrangements, and handover evidence. - Coordinate application readiness with Engineering, architects, fire-safety and structural specialists, and the Prüfstatiker, and track reviews to closure. - Monitor the German fusion legal framework and translate permit conditions and regulatory changes into project requirements, schedules, and risk responses. - Escalate material risks and options to the Senior Project Manager / Programme Director, and hand ongoing permit obligations to Operations. WHO YOU ARE MUST-HAVES - Strong experience in German construction and public permitting, including building applications, authority consultations, and partial approvals. - Working knowledge of Hessian procedures and the Hessische Bauordnung. - Working knowledge of radiation-protection licensing and nuclear-site interfaces. - Experience coordinating fire-safety and structural-checking processes with specialists and consultants. - Ability to explain regulatory risk and options clearly to non-specialists, including project managers and agency counterparts. - Fluent German and English, both written and spoken. NICE-TO-HAVES - Tritium or comparable regulated-facility experience. - Experience with multi-agency permitting for novel or regulated technical facilities. - Experience building reusable permitting playbooks or standards across projects. - Experience working alongside RWE, licence holders, or other site owners on decommissioning or site handover. - Familiarity with EU or German energy and nuclear regulatory frameworks. - Mentoring capability through example and playbook-building, without formal line management. 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.