Laser Diode Technology Engineer

Focused Energy Inc.

Laser Diode Technology Engineer for a fusion energy startup. Overseeing R&D initiatives and technical interfaces in a cutting-edge technology environment.

Posted 5/4/2026full-timeDarmstadt • 🇩🇪 GermanyMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the Diode Advance Program end-to-end: scope, schedule, budget, risks, and deliverables across all work packages, including next-generation development, exploratory R&D, manufacturability confirmation, subsystem cost reduction, cost modeling, and beam-shaping optimization.
Serve as primary technical interface with external research partners on diode bar development, overseeing both an evolutionary performance track and a high-risk/high-reward exploratory concept.
Coordinate manufacturability reviews with multiple diode manufacturers; manage separate design-review cycles to confirm that R&D designs can be produced at commercial scale. Maintain the confidentiality firewall between competing manufacturers.
Drive power-supply and cooling cost-down: manage collaborations with industrial partners to benchmark, redesign, and prototype improved driver electronics and cooling subsystems; scout and onboard additional partners.
Provide technical inputs to the diode cost model covering the full stack and translate cost targets into engineering requirements.
Communicate program progress, risks, and decisions clearly to executive leadership and all internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master's degree (or higher) in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
3+ years of experience in systems engineering, product development, or technical project management in a multi-physics environment (thermal, electrical, optical, mechanical).
Demonstrated ability to manage multi-partner R&D projects, coordinating external research institutes, industrial suppliers, and internal teams simultaneously.
Hands-on experience translating R&D outputs into manufacturable products: design-for-manufacturing, supplier coordination, and prototype-to-production transitions.
Strong cost and manufacturability mindset
Fluency in English
Self-directed, structured, and comfortable operating in a fast-moving startup
Preferred: Experience with high-power diode lasers

Benefits

Comp & perks

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.

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Hard Skills & Tools

systems engineeringproduct developmenttechnical project managementdesign-for-manufacturingcost modelingbeam-shaping optimizationprototype-to-production transitionsmulti-physics environmenthigh-power diode lasers

Soft Skills

communicationself-directedstructuredcollaborationrisk management

Certifications

Master's degreePhD