About Focused Energy
At Focused Energy, we are pioneering NeoLyte—a breakthrough initiative in compact, laser-driven radiation sources (LDRS) with cutting-edge, high-power laser technology. Our dual-mode LDRS platform enables real-time, non-destructive inspection of a wide range of materials, including complex and shielded items, by combining MeV X-rays and fast neutrons in a single, modular system. This technology addresses critical challenges across nuclear waste analysis, contraband detection, infrastructure inspection, and medical isotope production. With its unique combination of high resolution, material specificity, and deployment flexibility, LDRS creates opportunities beyond the limits of conventional systems. Our cross-disciplinary team brings together experts in laser and plasma physics, engineering, and AI. We are building our first pilot facility in Biblis, Germany, and moving rapidly toward market readiness and commercial deployment. Join us at the ground floor of this deep-tech venture and help shape the future of radiation source technology.
Role Overview
Focused Energy is seeking a permanent team member to support Project Planet LDRS, which requires substantial optical development to achieve its technical objectives within the expected timeline.
This role is important not only for driving project execution, but also for ensuring that critical optical expertise and technical know-how are built and retained internally within the company. By strengthening our in-house capabilities, this position will help support both the immediate success of the project and the long-term development of our optical engineering competence
Key Responsibilities:
Own the design and specification concept and detailed designs for complex optical systems aligned with functional and performance requirements.
Lead the integration of optical components with mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems, ensuring seamless product functionality.
Take ownership of optical component development, delivering project and technical deliverables weighing quality, cost, time and risk.
Develop and implement qualification and validation test plans to verify optical system performance and reliability.
Innovate and push the boundaries of optical technology by researching and developing novel optical concepts and solutions.
Identify and align critical suppliers to realize optics design into functional hardware.
Participate actively in design reviews, ensuring manufacturability and adherence to regulatory and quality standards.
Required Skills & Experience
Hands-on Experience: At least fiveyears of experience designing and developing advanced optical systems, preferably including high-power laser systems.
Expertise in Optical Design: A very good knowledge of optical design principles, materials, coatings, and testing methods. Demonstrated experience in ultra-short pulse laser systems (ps-regime) is highly desirable.
Simulation Skills: Substantial experience in simulating optical designs and components (preferably ZEMAX). Experience in opto-thermal mechanical design simulation is a significant advantage.
Precision Opto-Mechanical Design: Solid knowledge of opto-mechanical design principles to support integration efforts.
A good understanding of photonics components, their specifications and integration in advanced high powered laser optical systems.
Experience of optomechanical MAIT and interaction with optical component suppliers is highly desirable.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven track record of developing and validating innovative solutions.
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.
Skills Required
- At least five years designing and developing advanced optical systems
- Strong knowledge of optical design principles, materials, coatings, and testing methods
- Experience with ultra-short pulse (ps-regime) laser systems
- Substantial experience simulating optical designs and components (preferably ZEMAX)
- Opto-thermal mechanical design simulation experience
- Solid knowledge of precision opto-mechanical design for integration
- Good understanding of photonics components and their integration in high-power laser systems
- Experience with optomechanical MAIT and interaction with optical component suppliers
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with track record of developing and validating solutions
What We Do
Focused Energy is the leading laser-driven fusion company pursuing the most promising path to clean, limitless fusion power. The global company, based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Darmstadt, Germany, has brought together the top scientific and engineering minds using proven technologies to unlock fusion power at commercial scale. Focused Energy is working to unleash the next chapter of economic growth and scientific innovation through the widespread adoption of clean, abundant fusion power.
