Senior Software Engineer (f/m/d)

The posting, as Focused wrote it

ABOUT FOCUSED ENERGY

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.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will be the primary software point of contact for the Laser team and provide technical leadership across software, hardware, and experimental-system interfaces. You will help define the architecture and technology direction for a greenfield laser-software platform while remaining hands-on in developing reliable tools for calibration, operation, human-machine interaction, and experimental data processing.

This role offers the opportunity to work across software, hardware, and experimental-system boundaries while contributing to a strong engineering culture within the Darmstadt Software Department. You will help shape technical direction, establish the foundations of a new software platform, and grow toward a broader technical leadership role. The position does not initially include direct people-management responsibility.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Act as the primary software partner for the Laser team and coordinate software activities across laser projects.
• Provide technical leadership for software initiatives, including planning, technical alignment, risk identification, and coordination with laser physicists, engineers, and systems-integration partners.
• Help define the architecture, technology choices, development practices, and interfaces for a new laser-software platform in a greenfield environment.
• Design and implement reliable software for critical laser projects, from system-level interfaces to user-facing applications.
• Develop and maintain automated calibration software that improves repeatability, reduces manual effort, and supports reliable laser operation.
• Design and build clear, dependable human-machine interfaces, dashboards, and operational tools for monitoring and operating laser systems.
• Develop software that interfaces with laser devices, diagnostic systems, cameras, and experimental equipment to support data acquisition, system monitoring, operational control, and visualization.
• Develop data-processing pipelines and data-storage solutions for experimental and operational data, including diagnostic and camera data where appropriate.
• Define robust interfaces between software, hardware, cameras, and experimental systems in an environment where requirements and technologies are still evolving.
• Work with networked device and system interfaces, potentially including

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ons, giving you a direct stake in our success and ownership in what we build together.

• Vacation Days: We support your work-life-balance by granting you 30 days of vacation per year.
• Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks. Our Darmstadt office even offers a canteen with delicious lunch options daily.
• Retirement Plan: If you decide for a private pension plan, we will finance 20% on top of your monthly contributions, plus loyalty incentives.
• 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.
• Mobility with NAVIT: We partner with NAVIT to support your flexible commuting needs whether it’s a public transportation ticket, taxi rides or car-sharing you choose what fits your lifestyle.
• Fitness with Wellhub: We care about your health. 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.