Laser Scientist

Job description

Focused Energy is building the future of clean energy through laser-driven inertial fusion. Backed by our $240M Series A — the largest fully secured Series A in the global fusion industry — we are scaling rapidly across multiple geographies. Based in Germany and the US, we have brought together the top scientific and engineering minds using proven technologies to unlock fusion power at commercial scale. Focused Energy is working to realize game-changing scientific innovation that promises to deliver a clean, sustainable and abundant source of power globally. ## Your Role Focused Energy is building a Focused Energy Lasers Austin (FELA) facility in Austin, TX, and this role exists to make that build happen at the bench level. As a Laser Scientist, you'll own the hands-on execution of core laser experiments, such as setting up a laser front end, achieving two-dimensional SSD (smoothing by spectral dispersion), frequency tripling, FM-AM, and large-scale solid-state amplifier characterization experiments. You'll create the execution capacity FELA needs to move from facility build-out to a productive experimental program. ## What You'll Do - Own the hands-on setup, alignment, and execution of assigned FELA laser experiments including setting up the laser front end, running two-dimensional SSD, frequency tripling, FM-AM, and main amplifier characterization experiments. - Lead bench-level troubleshooting. - Drive the day-to-day experimental schedule, ensuring setups are ready and experiments run on time against the FELA build-out plan. - Ensure all laser safety protocols and lab safety standards are followed without exception in a Class 3B/4 laser environment. - Build and maintain organized, well-documented lab records covering equipment status, alignment logs, and experimental data. - Improve experimental setups and procedures over time, identifying and proposing refinements based on hands-on experience. - Partner with laser scientists on joint experimental sessions, providing reliable bench execution that enables scientific progress. - Help the FELA facility scale its experimental program by building repeatable, well-documented setups that others can follow. ## Who You Are - Hands-on experience with fiber and free-space laser systems, nonlinear optics (frequency conversion, beam smoothing), laser beam characterization, and optical alignment and diagnostics. - Comfortable working independently on bench-level setup, alignment, and troubleshooting, and know when to escalate a genuinely stuck problem rather than push through it. - A systematic, methodical approach to experimental work, with strong lab notebook and data documentation habits. - Working knowledge of laser safety standards (ANSI Z136) and experience operating safely in Class 3B/4 laser environments. - Clear, proactive communicator — you flag issues early and keep your team members informed on progress and blockers. - Take ownership of your work end-to-end and set a high bar for safety discipline and lab practice as the team grows around you. - Preferred: Familiarity with laser modeling software (e.g. Miro, Zemax) and CAD tools (e.g. Inventor) ## 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. - Medical, Dental, Vision: Multiple great plans to pick from that are active come the 1st Day of employment for you and any enrolled dependents. - Vacation Days: We support your work-life-balance by granting you Unlimited PTO. - Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks. - Retirement Plan: If you decide to enroll in our 401k plan, we will match up to 4% on top of the employee contribution. - Equipment: We offer state-of-the-art Windows or Apple Laptops. 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. 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.