About this role
About Focused Energy
Focused Energy is a pioneering international deep-tech company with locations in Germany and the US, dedicated to commercializing laser-driven nuclear fusion. Our mission is to deliver clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy to the world. As we rapidly scale, we seek talented individuals who thrive on bringing clarity and structure to fast-growing environments.
Join us as a Control Systems Engineer to help shape the future of clean energy. In this role, you will take the lead in designing and delivering critical control systems for our experimental and production facilities in Darmstadt, Germany.
About the Role
Reporting to the Controls Engineering Lead, you will be part of a collaborative local team of engineers in Darmstadt, Germany. This hybrid position includes occasional travel to our German site. Standard office hours apply, with minimal on-call responsibilities mostly limited to regular business hours.
What You’ll Do
Lead the design and development of PLC-based control subsystems supporting advanced laser fusion technologies
Collaborate with scientists and engineers to gather requirements and iterate on control system solutions
Own the integration of control systems for essential experimental support infrastructure, including vacuum, pneumatics, and cooling systems
Develop control software for modern PLCs, such as Beckhoff TwinCAT, using Structured Text (IEC 61131-3) to ensure machine safety and process control
Commission complex experimental equipment alongside scientists and engineers, performing field debugging and systematic fault-finding
Specify and implement SCADA systems and HMIs, including alarm management, logging, data acquisition, and database integration
Contribute to establishing team standards and solution architecture, and mentor junior engineers through design reviews and technical guidance
Who You Are
Hold a degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Control/Automation, Mechatronics/Robotics, Physics, or a related field with a focus on PLC-based control, embedded, or real-time systems
Bring 5+ years (senior level) of experience in plant control systems, factory automation, embedded software, or complex scientific experimental environments utilizing PLC-based elements
Proficient in PLC programming in Structured Text (IEC 61131-3) with strong software engineering practices, including modularization, version control (e.g., Git), and unit testing
Experienced with SCADA systems (e.g., Ignition, EPICS, Tango, WinCC, FactoryTalk, AVEVA, etc.) and in delivering stakeholder-facing HMIs with robust alarm and error handling
Skilled at reading electrical wiring diagrams and P&IDs, and effective in collaborating with electrical and mechanical teams
Familiar with industrial networking and fieldbus protocols such as EtherCAT, OPC UA, and Modbus TCP
Knowledgeable in risk assessment processes and safety standards (e.g., ISA 84, IEC 61508)
A clear English communicator, comfortable leading technical discussions in hybrid, cross-site international teams
Practical, hands-on engineer with a proven track record in hardware/software integration and exceptional debugging skills
Desirable Skills & Knowledge
Hands-on experience with Beckhoff PLCs and TwinCAT
Understanding of DDS (Data Distribution Service) protocol and associated tools
Proficiency in OPC UA protocol and utilities
Experience designing vacuum control systems
Familiarity with US control cabinet standards (NEC, UL508A)
Expertise in safety-critical systems (safety relays, SIL determination, LOPA, risk assessment)
Proficiency in a higher-level language (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++)
Possession of advanced LabVIEW certifications (CLD, CLED, CLA) and hands-on NI hardware experience (PXIe, cRIO)
Experience with non-PLC embedded or real-time systems (FPGAs, RTOS, microcontrollers, robotics)
Background in large-scale scientific equipment or research facilities
Knowledge of image processing, machine vision, motion control, and robotics
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.