Senior Laser Engineer

Focused • Austin, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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. Focused Energy's Austin laser team is building and commissioning a kJ-class laser system. We are seeking a Senior Laser Engineer to be the technical anchor for laser setup and alignment in Austin. This person will turn beam path plans into commissioned, operating systems. You will own laser alignment and optomechanical layout end-to-end for a critical program, and will progressively take ownership of the optical side of the standard laser diagnostic package and alignment automation as the program matures. This is a hands-on, on-site role at the center of a cutting-edge laser facility, working alongside senior laser scientists and engineers.

Requirements

• Deep, hands-on experience with high-power laser systems, precision beam alignment, and optical system integration.
• Demonstrated ability to translate beam path plans into physical optomechanical layouts and produce complete, procurable BOMs.
• Working knowledge of standard laser diagnostic instrumentation, alignment and wavefront characterization, and cleanroom handling procedures for high-damage-threshold optics.
• Comfort operating independently on optical layout, alignment approach, and component selection, escalating only on system-architecture or facility-level trade-offs.
• Familiarity with laser safety standards and protocols (ANSI Z136 / Class 4).

Nice To Haves

• Experience with pulsed laser systems (CPA or Q-switched); petawatt-class, kJ-class, or equivalent high-power facility experience is a significant advantage.
• Optomechanical CAD experience.
• Prior work coordinating with Controls Engineering on diagnostic or alignment automation interfaces.
• A track record as the go-to technical resource for laser alignment and optical systems — mentoring through hands-on example rather than formal authority.
• Experience supporting beam-smoothing or amplifier characterization efforts.
• Entrepreneurial mindset: thrives in a startup environment; self-directed and energized by building laser engineering capability from the ground up.
• Mission-driven: genuinely motivated by the prospect of making fusion energy commercially real.

Responsibilities

• Own laser setup, alignment, and beam path implementation, from initial layout through commissioning and handoff to operations.
• Lead translation of beam path designs into physical optomechanical layouts, producing complete and accurate BOMs in close collaboration with Laser team leadership.
• Drive beam-smoothing beam path design and component procurement, with laser team members and external vendors.
• Own the optical side of the standard laser diagnostic package, including integration, calibration, and ongoing maintenance.
• Build and implement the optical alignment automation interface, in close coordination with Controls Engineering.
• Ensure cleanroom protocols are followed during optical handling and installation; coordinate cleanroom upgrade activities as required.
• Partner with Controls Engineering on the laser diagnostic and alignment automation architecture, providing optical requirements and interface definitions.
• Enable FM/AM and beam-smoothing experiments by providing hands-on optical support during experimental campaigns.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Company ownership in the form of stock options
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans active from the 1st Day of employment
• Unlimited PTO
• Snacks and Drinks
• 401k plan with company match up to 4%
• State-of-the-art Windows or Apple Laptops
• Keyboard, mouse and headset
• Regular events to foster team bonding, encourage collaboration, and build a strong, supportive company culture

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed