Working Student - Mechatronics

About the Company & Role

Focused Energy is the leading laser-driven fusion company, pursuing the most promising path to clean, limitless fusion power. With headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany, and the San Francisco Bay Area, we bring together top scientific and engineering minds, leveraging proven technologies to unlock fusion power at commercial scale.

Our goal is not only to develop long-term, game-changing solutions but also address near-term challenges with global impact. Through our SourceLight initiative, we are pioneering compact, laser-driven radiation sources (LDRS) that combine MeV X-rays and fast neutrons in a single system, enabling real-time, non-destructive inspection of complex or shielded materials. Our technology tackles critical issues in nuclear waste storage, contraband detection, infrastructure inspection, and medical isotope production.

We are a cross-disciplinary team of laser and plasma physicists, engineers, and AI experts, currently building our first pilot facility in Biblis, Germany. Join us to help shape this innovative deep-tech venture from the ground up!

As a Working Student in Mechatronics, your mission is to design and develop vital components of our laser-driven radiation source, ensuring the system operates at peak performance.

What You Will Do

• Software & Computer Control: Develop control software (Python and Arduino) for real-time data acquisition. Establish hardware communications, implement data logging, and build a user-friendly GUI/dashboard for visualization and alarm management.

• Control Systems & Automation: Design, tune, and implement feedback control loops (PID). Manage complex multi-variable control logic for dynamic temperature balancing, and program fail-safe routines and hardware interlocks for cooling and pressure regulation.

• Sensors & Instrumentation: Select, test, and calibrate sensors for vacuum and cold environments. Handle signal conditioning to mitigate noise and ensure accurate readings.

• Electrical & Electronics Integration: Integrate electrical components such as liquid pumps, valves, and chillers, ensuring correct wiring, grounding, and low-noise signal conditioning.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s degree (or advanced Bachelor’s) in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a similar field.

• Experience in control software development (Python and Arduino) and interfacing software with hardware via standard protocols.

• Solid understanding of PID controllers and implementation of fail-safe loops.

• Experience in wiring and hardware assembly.

• Structured approach to R&D: formulating technical problems, defining test protocols, documenting results, and deriving design decisions.

• "Maker" mindset: passionate about making hardware interact with software and troubleshooting integration challenges.

What We Offer

• Innovative Technology & Mission: Contribute to groundbreaking research in clean energy and scientific discovery.

• Career Development: Join a growing company at the cutting edge of technology, with real opportunities for personal and professional growth.

• Collaborative Culture: Work in a dynamic, international environment with top-tier scientists, engineers, and professionals dedicated to solving global challenges.

• Vacation: Enjoy 30 vacation days per year to support your work-life balance.

• Snacks and Drinks: Enjoy healthy snacks and drinks, with a subsidized canteen available at our Darmstadt office.

• Retirement Plan: We finance 15% on top of your monthly contributions if you choose a private pension plan.

• Equipment: Select a state-of-the-art Windows or Apple laptop, fully equipped from your first day.

• Events: Regular team events encourage collaboration and foster a strong, supportive company culture.

• Mobility with NAVIT: Flexible commuting options, including public transport, taxis, and car-sharing, supported through our NAVIT partnership.

• Fitness with Wellhub: Access a wide range of gyms, fitness studios, and wellness services across Europe with Wellhub.

Join us and help develop breakthrough technology with global impact!

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.