Lead Laser Scientist

Marvel Fusion

Munich (ND)

On-site

USD 145,000 - 201,000

Full time

11 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Public Transport Subsidy

Employee Incentive Program

Phone Bill Reimbursement

Wellpass or Complimentary Private Helh

Professional Learning & Development预算

Relocation Support

Company Pension Plan

30 Days of Vacation plus additional半日

Modern Office in the center of Munich

Healthy office snacks

Regular Team Events

Job summary

Marvel Fusion in Munich (with activities in Colorado) seeks a PhD-qualified leader to oversee a diverse team of laser scientists and engineers. You will drive hands-on experimental work, shape system design, and manage milestones while coordinating across groups.

You will integrate theory with experiments, mentor an interdisciplinary team, and uphold rigorous safety, quality, and documentation standards in a dynamic, multinational environment.

Qualifications

PhD in physics or laser-related field with years of ultrafast/laser experience.
Proven ability to design, build and commission complex optical experiments and labs.
Excellent English communication; German is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead and instruct a diverse team of laser scientists and engineers in the lab, setting priorities and directing day-to-day work.
Drive hands-on experimental work — building, aligning, troubleshooting and optimizing bench setups with the team.
Plan and drive the experimental program to milestones and own the results.
Shape system design by turning simulations into buildable experiments and making sound technical decisions.
Identify technical risks early and prepare key decisions at project gates.
Integrate theory, experiment and control systems and coordinate with theory and control groups.
Manage suppliers and lab infrastructure; establish lab safety procedures and documentation.

Skills

Python

Data analysis

Leadership

Team mentoring

Problem solving

English communication

Education

PhD in physics or related field

Tools

Ultrafast laser systems

Frequency combs

Vacuum systems

Job description

Who we are

Founded in 2019, Marvel Fusion is Europe’s leading fusion energy company, uniting 120 scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs across our locations in Munich and Colorado.

Backed by over €385 million in public and private funding, we’re driven by a shared mission: to deliver clean, abundant energy to the world.

Why Marvel Fusion

By joining us, you will be:

Solving one of the most complex technological challenges known to humanity, harnessing Fusion on Earth
Part of a highly purpose-driven team working on providing the world with clean, safe and abundant energy
Working alongside world-leading scientists and entrepreneurs in the field of Fusion
Part of a start-up where growth on a company and individual level is the default

The impact you will make

As a key contributor at the forefront of high-power laser fusion science, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of laser technology, driving innovations that redefine energy generation. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and leading experts worldwide, your work will directly influence cutting‑edge fusion concepts. This is a hands‑on opportunity to grow in a dynamic, multinational environment while making a lasting impact on sustainable energy.

Your responsibilities

Lead and instruct a diverse team of laser scientists and engineers in the lab, setting priorities and directing the day‑to‑day work.
Drive the hands‑on experimental work — building, aligning, troubleshooting and optimizing the set‑ups at the bench together with the team, not only supervising — and continuously improve the laser system, diagnostics and workflows.
Plan and drive the experimental program to its milestones, owning the stepwise build and the experimental results.
Shape the system design, turning the concept and simulation results into buildable experiments and sound technical decisions.
Identify technical risks early and prepare key technical decisions at project gates.
Integrate theory, experiment and control systems — act as the interface between the theory/simulation group, the experimental build and the control/stabilisation systems.
Manage suppliers and procurement — specify, source and coordinate specialized components and lab infrastructure (vacuum, mirrors, lasers, etc.).
Establish lab operations and safety — set up operating procedures and laser‑safety standards for the lab.
Document experimental procedures, results and design recommendations in a structured and traceable manner.
Communicate with stakeholders — keep the Group Lead, advisers, theory team and management aligned, and report progress against milestones.

What you bring

PhD in physics, laser engineering or a related field, with several years of experience in ultrafast/laser physics.
Extensive track record of designing, building and commissioning complex optical experiments, and of setting up new laboratories.
In-depth knowledge of and hands‑on experience in the project’s highest‑risk techniques: ultrafast laser sources, optical frequency combs, reference clocks, coherent laser stabilization, high‑finesse optical cavities, fiber lasers and amplifiers, nonlinear frequency conversion, vacuum and vibration‑isolated set‑ups, and optical short‑pulse diagnostics.
Programming and data‑analysis skills (e.g. Python) for measurement automation and analysis.
Proven ability to plan and drive an experimental program to delivery.
Experience in leading, coordinating and mentoring an interdisciplinary team; accountable, hands‑on scientific leadership.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a structured approach to complex technical challenges.
High personal drive, discipline and assertiveness, combined with a collaborative working style.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; German is an advantage.

What we offer

Our mission is motivation enough for many. But we also support our team with benefits that foster wellbeing and growth: