Experimental Scientist

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 Experimental Scientist to perform experiments of laser beam smoothing and of laser-plasma instabilities to join our team and help us shape the future of energy. This person will have experience in performing state-of-the-art laser-plasma interaction experiments with high-energy laser beams and in the development of plasma diagnostics. Experience in building laser beamlines would be considered an asset.

In this role, you will be part of the Science team at Focused Energy, which is responsible for achieving designs for first-of-a-kind (FOAK) laser-based fusion power plant and for the precursor fusion pilot plan (FPP). Important parts of the work in the Science team are de-risking laser-plasma and hydrodynamic instabilities. The development of novel laser beam-smoothing techniques and their applications to spectrally broad bandwidth lasers are central to this de-risking work.

What you’ll do:

• Perform optical laser beam smoothing experiments at the Focused Energy Laboratory Darmstadt.

• Develop optical diagnostics to measure time-integrated and time-resolved laser-speckle far field pattern distribution.

• Support simulation work, e.g., by running codes for beam smoothing and by comparing the measurements to simulation predictions.

• Contribute to the development of plasma diagnostics for Focused Energy’s Experimental Facilities.

• Support ongoing laser-plasma instability experiments at the GSI Phelix laser and the ELI L4 laser facility.

• Identify the best smoothing techniques for our next generation laser beams.

Who you are:

• You have a PhD degree in physics or in a science area related to laser-plasma interaction experiments.

• Extensive experimental skills for setting up laser-plasma interaction experiments and optical alignment of laser beams.

• Extensive data analysis experience from those experiments.

• Experience in developing laser plasma diagnostics and performing analysis of the data from those diagnostics.

• Preferred: Experience in building laser beamlines.

• Preferred: Experimental knowledge in high energy density physics experiments and in laser fusion

• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and you can work both independently as well as in a team environment.

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.