Project Manager – Laser-Driven Radiation Source (f/m/d)

Focused Energy Inc.

Job Overview

Location

Darmstadt, DE

Job Type

Full-time

Full Job Description

📋 Description

• Lead the execution of the world’s first laser-driven radiation source prototype, coordinating multiple subsystem owners and engineering teams to deliver a research-operable system.
• Own and maintain the integrated project plan, including master schedule, dependencies, critical path, and recovery plans when milestones are at risk.
• Lead project governance through core meetings, decision documentation, action tracking, and consistent status reporting that highlights progress, blockers, and next steps.
• Align subsystem plans and milestones with the technical roadmap, surfacing deviations early and driving resolution to maintain program direction.
• Manage system-level requirements and interfaces, ensuring they are tracked, implemented, validated, and controlled under formal change control processes.
• Establish and maintain a traceable decision log to ensure accountability and transparency across all project activities.
• Own the risk and issue management process, including a single risk register with clear ownership, regular review cadence, escalation paths, and mitigation tracking.
• Coordinate budget tracking, financial forecasts, and procurement activities, particularly for long-lead items, in close collaboration with engineering and system owners.
• Plan and guide readiness reviews (design, integration, commissioning) with system owners, ensuring evidence, test plans, and acceptance criteria are fully documented and validated.
• Ensure operational safety and readiness by implementing hazard reviews, procedures, training programs, and defined operational envelopes for researcher safety.
• Continuously improve project delivery flow and documentation efficiency in partnership with the Project Management Office, reducing redundancy while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Drive verification planning and execution to ensure the prototype meets all technical and safety requirements for reliable, repeatable operation.
• Serve as the central point of coordination between cross-functional teams, external suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless integration and timely delivery.
• Maintain clear communication with senior leadership and technical leads through concise, actionable updates and structured reporting.
• Support the transition from prototype development to operational use by ensuring all documentation, training, and safety protocols are complete and compliant.

🎯 Requirements

• 7+ years of project/program management experience in complex R&D environments with hardware-heavy systems (e.g., laser facilities, accelerators, aerospace, semiconductor tools, scientific infrastructure, robotics)
• Technical background with at least 3+ years of hands-on experience in technical execution alongside management responsibilities, enabling understanding of system interactions and technical challenges
• Proven ability to build and maintain integrated project plans with milestones, work packages, dependencies, and critical path analysis
• Demonstrated experience managing risk registers, issue tracking, and change control in dynamic R&D settings
• Strong communication skills with ability to lead meetings, write crisp status reports, and drive action closure with senior stakeholders
• Operational rigor in supporting readiness and commissioning planning, including documentation and evidence collection for repeatable operation

🏖️ Benefits

• 30 days of vacation per year
• Hybrid work model with flexibility to work from home up to two days per week
• Competitive salary with equity/stock option participation
• State-of-the-art laptop (Windows or Apple) provided from day one
• Subsidized canteen and unlimited healthy snacks and drinks in the office
• 15% employer contribution to private pension plan contributions
• Access to Wellhub for fitness and wellness services across Europe
• Partnership with NAVIT for flexible commuting options (public transport, taxis, car-sharing)
• Regular team events to foster collaboration and company culture
• Participation in groundbreaking research at the intersection of physics, engineering, and clean energy

Skills & Technologies

Hybrid

Degree Required

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Focused Energy Inc.

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About Focused Energy Inc.

Focused Energy is dedicated to commercializing laser fusion technology to achieve clean and abundant energy production. They are optimizing fuel and laser systems to develop an integrated engineering prototype for commercial energy production. The company's technology utilizes Pearl™ fuel capsules, derived from seawater and lithium, to increase energy output. With a team of renowned fusion experts, Focused Energy aims to decouple energy production from resource consumption, unlocking economic growth and scientific innovation. Focused Energy recently entered into a $40 million agreement with Amplitude to advance high-energy lasers, marking a key step toward commercialization.

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