Prototype Engineer

Focused Energy LLC; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401k match

Unlimited PTO

Medical, Dental, Vision

Career development

Job summary

Focused Energy is seeking a Prototype Engineer in Austin, TX to join the Target tracking and Engagement lab and Laser lab. You will work onsite with scientists and senior engineers, turning test plans into successful experiments while gaining hands-on experience with optics, laser systems, and test rigs.

You will contribute to fast-moving development campaigns, maintain and prepare hardware, and ensure safe operations as you advance toward greater ownership of troubleshooting and system

Qualifications

• Engineering, physics, or optics degree or hands-on background.
• Interest in experimental hardware, test and integration.
• Familiarity with optics, laser alignment, test equipment or diagnostics.
• Detail-oriented with a safety-first mindset.

Responsibilities

• Execute integration and qualification tests per approved plans.
• Maintain and prepare test rigs, lab hardware, software, configurations.
• Perform precision alignment and safe operation of optics and lasers.
• Assist with build, teardown, troubleshooting, and upgrades of test rigs.
• Collaborate with scientists to turn test procedures into executable sequences.
• Document results and observations for rapid diagnosis.
• Provide hands-on support across the engineering team as needed.
• Adhere to established safety practices and flag hazards.

Skills

Engineering background

Optics & lasers

Test & integration

Safety mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or optics

Tools

Test equipment

Diagnostics

Job description

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 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.

Your Role

As a Prototype Engineer at Focused Energy, you'll play a hands-on role in System Integration, Testing and validation for the Hardware and Software that supports our laser-driven fusion technology. Based onsite in Austin, you'll work alongside scientists and senior engineers in our Target tracking and Engagement lab & Laser lab, helping turn test plans into successful experiments. You'll gain practical experience working with sensitive optics, laser systems, test rigs, and advanced hardware while contributing directly to fast-moving development and test campaigns. This is an opportunity to build your technical expertise in a highly collaborative environment where your work helps keep experiments moving.

What You’ll Do

• Execute integration and qualification tests according to approved test plans and operating procedures.
• Maintain and prepare test rigs, lab hardware, software, and configurations for upcoming campaigns.
• Perform precision alignment and safe operation of optics and laser systems.
• Support the build, teardown, troubleshooting, and upgrades of test rigs alongside senior engineers.
• Work with scientists to translate test procedures into executable sequences during test campaigns.
• Document test results, issues, and observations clearly so senior engineers and scientists can quickly diagnose and address problems.
• Provide hands-on technical support across the engineering team as needed.
• Follow established safety practices and proactively flag potential hazards or gaps.

Who You Are

• A degree and/or hands-on technical background in engineering, physics, optics, or a related field.
• A strong interest in experimental hardware, test and integration, and hands-on engineering.
• Familiarity with basic optics and laser alignment, test equipment, or hardware/software diagnostics.
• A methodical approach to executing technical procedures while remaining adaptable when experiments don't go exactly as planned.
<
• Strong attention to detail, particularly when working with sensitive equipment and precision systems.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work closely with scientists and engineers.
• A safety-first mindset and willingness to work hands-on in a laboratory environment.
• Curiosity, initiative, and a desire to grow toward greater ownership of troubleshooting and system integration.

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, where you'll have the opportunity to develop and grow your career.
• Collaborative Culture: Work with great people in a dynamic, international environment with top-tier scientists, engineers and professionals passionate about solving global challenges.
• Ownership: Take ownership from day 1 and drive impact by making decisions, solving challenges and shaping the future of our company.
• Your Success is our Success: We offer a competitive salary and company ownership in the form of stock options, giving you a direct stake in our success and ownership in what we build together.
• Medical, Dental, Vision: Multiple great plans to pick from that are active come the 1st Day of employment for you and any enrolled dependents.
• Vacation Days: We support your work-life-balance by granting you Unlimited PTO.
• Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks.
• Retirement Plan: If you decide to enroll in our 401k plan, we will match up to 4% on top of the employee contribution.
• 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.

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.