Cryogenics Engineer

Overview

Join to apply for the Cryogenics Engineer role at Focused Energy.

Focused Energy is the leading laser-driven fusion company pursuing the most promising path to clean, limitless fusion power. The global company, based in Darmstadt, Germany and the San Francisco Bay Area, has brought together the top scientific and engineering minds using proven technologies to unlock fusion power at commercial scale. Focused Energy is working to unleash the next chapter of economic growth and scientific innovation through the widespread adoption of clean, abundant fusion power.

What you’ll do

• Develop and build cryogenic and vacuum systems; covering cold heads, control systems, thermal insulation, piping, and control of hydrogen and inert gases.
• Use CAD and simulation tools to model thermal behavior, ensure cooling performance, and optimize cryogenic system design.
• Continuously improve and use experimental setups to assess material behavior at low temperatures, working hands-on with equipment and diagnostics.
• Develop safe and compliant gas handling procedures for hydrogen, including risk mitigation, control systems, and adherence to regulatory safety standards with support from relevant experts.
• Implement measurement, control, and automation (MSR) systems for cryogenic processes, ensuring precision and reliability.
• Collaborate with all Targetry sub-teams to define system requirements and deliver integrated infrastructure.
• Lead project workstreams from concept to commissioning; mentoring junior engineers, managing timelines, and ensuring technical excellence.

Who you are

• 3–5 years (or equivalent PhD research) designing cryogenic systems, vacuum setups, or gas-handling equipment.
• MSc or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Proficient in CAD (e.g., Inventor), thermal/cryogenic simulation (Comsol/Ansys), and vacuum technology.
• Familiarity with hydrogen systems, pressure control, leak detection, and gas safety protocols.
• Skilled in instrumentation, sensors, and control logic for temperature, pressure, and flow in cold environments.
• Strong hands-on skills in building test rigs, debugging systems, and performing low-temperature measurements.
• Comfortable working across disciplines, able to coordinate with multiple engineering and science teams.
• Germany based, regular travel to Darmstadt, Hessen, required.

What we offer

• Innovative Technology & Mission: Be part of a cutting-edge company working on groundbreaking research in clean energy and scientific discovery.
• Career Development: We invest in our people; this is an opportunity to join an early, growing company at the forefront of new technology.
• Collaborative Culture: Work with great people in a dynamic, international environment with top-tier scientists, engineers and professionals.
• Ownership: Take ownership from day 1 and drive impact by making decisions and solving challenges.
• Your Success is our Success: Competitive salary and company ownership in the form of stock options.
• Vacation Days: 30 days of vacation per year.
• Flexibility: Hybrid setup to work from the office or from home as appropriate.
• Snacks and Drinks: Office snacks and drinks; Darmstadt office offers subsidized lunch options daily.
• Retirement Plan: Focused Energy may finance 15% on top of your monthly private pension contributions.
• Equipment: State-of-the-art laptop and accessories provided from day 1.
• Events: Regular events to foster team bonding and collaboration.
• Mobility with NAVIT: Support for flexible commuting needs.
• Wellness: Access to gyms and wellness services across Europe through Wellhub partnership.

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 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. Some roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, and benefits.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology