Working Student - Mechatronics

Focused Energy Inc.

Job Overview

Location

Darmstadt, DE

Job Type

Full-time

Full Job Description

📋 Description

• Join Focused Energy Inc., a pioneering company at the forefront of laser-driven fusion technology, as a Working Student in Mechatronics. This role is pivotal in designing and developing critical components for our innovative laser-driven radiation sources (LDRS), which are set to revolutionize industries from clean energy to infrastructure inspection and medical isotope production. You will be instrumental in ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of these groundbreaking systems, contributing directly to our mission of delivering clean, limitless fusion power and addressing near-term global challenges through advanced technology.
• In this dynamic position, you will engage in a variety of hands-on engineering tasks. Your responsibilities will span across software development for real-time data acquisition, where you will craft control software using Python and Arduino, establish robust hardware communications, implement comprehensive data logging mechanisms, and construct an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) or dashboard for effective visualization and alarm management. This will involve translating complex system requirements into functional and user-friendly software solutions.
• Furthermore, you will delve into the intricacies of control systems and automation. This includes the design, meticulous tuning, and implementation of feedback control loops, particularly Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controllers, to maintain system stability and performance. You will also be tasked with managing sophisticated multi-variable control logic essential for dynamic temperature balancing across various system components. A critical aspect of this will be programming fail-safe routines and hardware interlocks to ensure the secure and regulated operation of cooling and pressure systems, safeguarding both personnel and equipment.
• Your role will also involve significant work with sensors and instrumentation. You will be responsible for the selection, rigorous testing, and precise calibration of sensors specifically designed for vacuum and cold environments, ensuring their accuracy and reliability under demanding conditions. A key part of this will be handling signal conditioning techniques to effectively mitigate noise and guarantee the integrity of sensor readings, which are vital for system monitoring and control.
• Additionally, you will contribute to electrical and electronics integration. This entails the seamless integration of various electrical components, such as liquid pumps, valves, and chillers, into the overall system architecture. You will ensure correct wiring practices, proper grounding techniques, and the implementation of low-noise signal conditioning to maintain system integrity and prevent interference.
• About the team and company: Focused Energy is a leader in laser-driven fusion, with a vision to provide clean, limitless energy. We are a cross-disciplinary team of world-class scientists, engineers, and AI experts dedicated to advancing fusion technology from concept to commercial scale. Our headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany, and presence in the San Francisco Bay Area, foster a global perspective. We are currently building our first pilot facility in Biblis, Germany, offering a unique opportunity to be part of a deep-tech venture from its inception.
• As a working student, you will gain invaluable practical experience in a cutting-edge scientific and engineering field. You will have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, develop a strong understanding of mechatronic systems, and hone your skills in software development, control systems, and hardware integration. This role provides a platform to grow professionally within a rapidly expanding company, contributing to a mission with significant global impact and potentially shaping the future of energy and scientific discovery.

🎯 Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s degree (or advanced Bachelor’s) in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a similar technical field.
• Demonstrated experience in control software development using Python and Arduino, including interfacing software with hardware via standard protocols.
• Solid understanding of PID controllers and the implementation of fail-safe routines and control logic.
• Practical experience in wiring and hardware assembly, coupled with a structured approach to R&D, including problem formulation, test protocol definition, results documentation, and design decision derivation.
• A "maker" mindset, characterized by a passion for integrating hardware and software and a proactive approach to troubleshooting complex integration challenges.

🏖️ Benefits

• Contribute to groundbreaking research in clean energy and scientific discovery with innovative technology and a compelling mission.
• Benefit from career development opportunities within a growing company at the cutting edge of technology, offering real prospects for personal and professional advancement.
• Enjoy a collaborative and dynamic international environment alongside top-tier scientists, engineers, and professionals dedicated to solving global challenges.
• Receive 30 vacation days per year to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
• Access subsidized healthy snacks, drinks, and a canteen at the Darmstadt office.
• Benefit from a retirement plan with a 15% company contribution on top of your monthly contributions for a private pension plan.
• Choose a state-of-the-art Windows or Apple laptop, fully equipped from your first day.
• Participate in regular team events designed to foster collaboration and a supportive company culture.
• Utilize flexible commuting options, including public transport, taxis, and car-sharing, supported through the NAVIT partnership.
• Access a wide range of gyms, fitness studios, and wellness services across Europe via the Wellhub partnership.

Skills & Technologies

Python

Onsite

Degree Required

Ready to Apply?

Apply Externally

You will be redirected to an external site to apply.

Focused Energy Inc.

Visit Website

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.

View Company Profile

Get more remote jobs like this

Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for similar remote roles and curated hiring updates.

Weekly remote jobs and featured talent.

No spam. Only curated remote roles and product updates. You can unsubscribe anytime.