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

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW Focused Energy is a laser-driven fusion company building technologies that can unlock clean, abundant energy. Alongside our long-term mission, we also develop near-term, high-impact applications based on compact laser-driven radiation sources that combine MeV X-rays and fast neutrons in a single system for non-destructive testing and advanced inspection. ROLE OVERVIEW We are looking for a Project Manager to lead the execution of the worlds first laser-driven radiation source prototype, bringing together multiple subsystem owners and engineering teams to deliver a research-operable prototype. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys turning complex technical development into a structured plan, enabling teams to deliver on time, and building an operational hardware system. You will work together with the main system owners within the project make sure the right work happens at the right time, with clear interfaces, controlled changes, and strong transparency. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Own the integrated project plan: maintain the master schedule across subsystems, dependencies, and critical path; drive recovery plans when milestones slip. - Lead project governance and cadence: run core meetings, maintain decisions and actions, and ensure consistent status reporting that highlights progress, blockers, and next steps. - Align work to the technical roadmap: ensure subsystem plans and milestones stay consistent with the program direction; surface deviations early and drive resolution. - Drive requirements and interface management: Ensure system-level requirements and interfaces are tracked, implemented and validated consistently and are under change control. - Decision traceability: Establish a way with the team to efficiently document progress and make decisions traceable. - Own risk and issue management: maintain a single risk register process with mitigation ownership, regular review cadence, and clear escalation paths. Steer and track the risk reduction over time to meet the project goals. - Budget & procurement coordination: track budget, forecasts, and changes; coordinate long-lead procurement tracking with engineering and system owners. - Verification & readiness: plan and guide readiness reviews with system owners (e.g., design reviews, integration readiness, commissioning readiness); ensure evidence, test plans, and acceptance criteria are captured. - Safety & operational readiness: ensure a research-operable safety approach is implemented (hazard reviews, procedures, training, operational envelopes) so the system is safe for researchers to use. - Process improvement: continuously improve delivery flow and documentation efficiency with the Project Management Office to reduce redundancy and increase execution speed, without compromising safety or quality. REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE - Experience: 7+ years project/program management in complex R&D environments (hardware-heavy systems preferred: laser facilities, accelerators, aerospace, semiconductor tools, scientific infrastructure, robotics, or similar). - Technical Background: Understand how the system components interact and have the ability to understand the technical problems the team faces on a high level. Have at least worked 3+ years in the technical execution besides your management experience. - Planning discipline: strong ability to build and maintain integrated plans (milestones, work packages, dependencies, critical path) and keep teams aligned. - Risk & change control: proven experience running risk registers, issue management, and practical change control in dynamic R&D settings. - Communication: clear, concise communicator who can lead meetings, write crisp status updates, and drive action closure with senior stakeholders. - Operational rigor: able to support readiness/commissioning planning and ensure documentation and evidence are produced at a level that enables repeatable operation. Nice-to-Have - Experience managing first-of-a-kind builds, prototypes, or pilot facilities. - Familiarity with review gates (PDR/CDR/TRR or equivalent) and verification planning. - Exposure to safety-critical environments (high voltage, radiation-adjacent facilities, vacuum/laser labs, interlock systems). - Experience working with cross-site teams and external suppliers. Why Join Us: - Mission-driven work on a technology stack at the intersection of physics, engineering, and real-world impact. - High ownership and visibility in a fast-moving, cross-disciplinary team. - Competitive compensation and participation in the company’s success (equity/ownership opportunities may be available depending on role and location). - A collaborative, international environment with strong learning and growth opportunities. - Flexible working model (role-dependent) and modern equipment and benefits. What We Offer - Innovative Technology & Mission: Be part of a company working on groundbreaking research in clean energy and scientific discovery. - Career Development: We invest in our people. 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. - 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. - Vacation: We support your work-life-balance by granting you 30 days of vacation per year. - Flexibility: We offer a hybrid setup, giving you the freedom to work from our office while also enjoying the flexibility to work from home up to two days a week. - Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks. Our Darmstadt office even offers a subsidized canteen. - Retirement Plan: If you decide for a private pension plan, we will finance 15% on top of your monthly contributions. - Equipment: Choose between a state-of-the-art Windows or Apple Laptop, fully equipped from day one. - Events: We organize regular events to foster team bonding, encourage collaboration, and build a strong, supportive company culture. - Mobility with NAVIT: We partner with NAVIT to support your flexible commuting needs whether it’s public transportation, taxis or car-sharing. - Fitness with Wellhub: Get access to a wide range of gyms, fitness studios and wellness services across Europe through our partnership with Wellhub. 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.