Mechanical Engineer

Focused Energy is a fusion energy startup with the goal of generating clean electrical energy to responsibly meet future global demand. The founders include two highly renowned scientists and a long-time entrepreneur and founder of several successful startups. 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.

Focused Energy is seeking an exceptional Mechanical Engineer to join our dynamic team and create the path to commercial fusion energy. The goal of the team is to maximize the service life of the so-called first wall of the reactor chamber that is most heavily loaded with fast neutrons, charged particles, and x-ray radiation. The resulting damage to the material determines the service life of the first wall due mainly to embrittling effects and thermal loads. In this position, you will work on the design of a first-wall module with a service life that is at least doubled, which significantly increases the economic viability of our fusion power plant. You will design, develop, and validate mechanical components of the reactor chamber and design a mockup version of a first-wall component that will be tested in the laboratory. 

What you'll do:

• Develop innovative mechanical designs for complex engineering problems while adhering to ambitious timelines. 

• Provide structural mechanical analysis on the first wall components. 

• Perform finite element analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and thermal analysis with multi-physics engineering simulations by using the ANSYS software. 

• Interpret results from experiments of heat exchange and temperature effects in materials. 

• Calculate the dynamic temperature changes and its distribution on the first wall from x-ray, ion, and particle irradiation.

• The in-person office you will be working from is in Darmstadt, Germany. This position will have the option to work from home for a certain fraction of time. It may require occasional travel, including international travel. 

Who you are:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. A master’s degree or PhD is a plus. 

• 1+ years’ professional work experience as a Mechanical Engineer. 

• Knowledge of CAD software. 

• Experience in the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and/or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) by using the ANSYS software. 

• Proven track record of developing and launching successful mechanical designs. 

• Demonstrated experience in solving complex problems. 

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.