Software Engineer, AI CAD Workflow Automation

Focused Energy; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Stock options

Medical, Dental, Vision plans

401k plan with employer match

State-of-the-art equipment

Job summary

Focused Energy is seeking a Software Engineer II in Austin, Texas to create AI-assisted design workflows for mechanical engineering. You will design and implement internal tools that enable efficient CAD drawing generation, enhancing our engineering processes.

The ideal candidate possesses strong skills in Python or C++, experience with CAD software, and a collaborative mindset. Join us in transforming the clean energy landscape with innovative technology and a commitment to scientific research.

Qualifications

• Experience as an independent software engineer capable of designing and deploying maintainable services.
• Write clear technical documentation for users.
• Comfortable in environments with evolving priorities.

Responsibilities

• Design and build scalable internal software tools for CAD output generation.
• Translate mechanical requirements into software designs.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to validate CAD outputs.

Skills

CAD Systems Interaction

AI-assisted Workflows

Python

C++

3D Modeling

Tools

SolidWorks

Onshape

AutoCAD

Job description

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

Focused Energy is looking for a Software Engineer II to join our team and build AI-assisted design workflows that help our mechanical and physical engineering teams turn complex requirements into design solutions and CAD drawings faster. Today, the mechanical engineering team relies on manual CAD creation for complex parts, a process that slows down design exploration and delays experimental iteration as we scale toward commercial fusion power.

In this role, you will design, build, and deploy internal software tools and automated workflows that generate CAD and part drawings from complex physical and mechanical requirements. ver the next 6–18 months, you'll help establish the standards, runbooks, and training that allow mechanical engineers to safely and effectively use AI-generated CAD outputs, directly accelerating our design exploration speed as we move toward commercial‑scale fusion.

What You’ll Do

• Design and build scalable, maintainable internal software tools and workflows that automate the generation of CAD and part drawings from complex requirements.
• Translate physical and mechanical requirements into clear software designs, parametric CAD scripts, and automated design workflows.
• Teach mechanical and hardware engineers how to intake requirements and iterate on design solutions using AI-assisted CAD workflows.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering, software, and systems engineering teams to ensure generated CAD drawings meet strict physical and operational constraints.
• Establish standards and runbooks to help mechanical engineers review and validate AI-generated CAD outputs before manufacturing.
• Systematically debug and troubleshoot complex workflows across system boundaries, including CAD software integrations and data pipelines.

Who You Are

• Experience as an independent software engineer who can design, build, and deploy maintainable services, tools, or software components.
• Experience writing scripts or software that interacts with CAD systems, mechanical design tools, or parametric design APIs.
• Hands‑on experience implementing AI-assisted workflows, automation scripts, or agentic frameworks.
• Write clear technical runbooks, usage guides, and training material for technical users.
• Strong programming skills in languages such as Python or C++ and familiarity with CAD software APIs (such as SolidWorks, Onshape, or AutoCAD).
• Solid understanding of parametric CAD, 3D modeling, part drawings, and mechanical requirements translation.
• Communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with mechanical engineers, software teams, and scientific partners.
• Comfortable in high‑ambiguity environments where priorities and hardware requirements can evolve.
• Strong respect for safety and engineering review processes when using AI‑generated designs.
• Preferred: experience in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, physical modeling, aerospace, target fabrication, or nuclear fusion design.
• Preferred: experience building developer productivity tools, CI/CD systems, or automated testing infrastructure for scientific or design workflows.
• Preferred: experience with advanced CAD scripting, geometric processing, or automated design generation APIs.

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.