Control Systems Engineer

About the role

Focused Energy is pioneering laser-driven nuclear fusion to deliver clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy, and the Control Systems Engineer reports to the Controls Engineering Lead in Darmstadt, Germany. You will own the design and delivery of critical PLC-based control subsystems for experimental and production facilities, directly shaping how fusion infrastructure behaves in real time. This hybrid role involves close collaboration with scientists and engineers to translate demanding research requirements into robust control solutions. You will commission complex equipment, debug issues in the field, and systematically locate faults to keep experiments on schedule. The position emphasizes ownership of integration for vacuum, pneumatics, and cooling systems that underpin advanced laser experiments. You will specify and implement SCADA systems and HMIs, including alarm management, logging, data acquisition, and database integration. In addition, you will mentor junior engineers, lead design reviews, and help establish team standards and solution architecture. Standard office hours apply with minimal on-call responsibilities, and the role includes occasional travel to the German site.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the design and development of PLC-based control subsystems supporting advanced laser fusion technologies, ensuring deterministic behavior and real-time performance.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to gather requirements, translate technical needs, and iterate on control system solutions that keep experiments on track.
• Own the integration of control systems for essential experimental support infrastructure, including vacuum, pneumatics, and cooling systems to maintain stable operating conditions.
• Develop control software for modern PLCs, such as Beckhoff TwinCAT, using Structured Text (IEC 61131-3) and strong software engineering practices to ensure machine safety and process control.
• Commission complex experimental equipment alongside multidisciplinary teams, performing field debugging and systematic fault-finding to resolve issues efficiently.
• Specify and implement SCADA systems and HMIs, including alarm management, logging, data acquisition, and database integration for high-visibility fusion experiments.
• Contribute to establishing team standards and solution architecture, defining coding guidelines, interfaces, and documentation for long-term maintainability.
• Mentor junior engineers through design reviews, technical guidance, and knowledge transfer to elevate the overall capability of the controls team.
• Partner with electrical and mechanical teams, reading wiring diagrams and P&IDs to ensure seamless coordination across disciplines.
• Apply industrial networking and fieldbus protocols such as EtherCAT, OPC UA, and Modbus TCP to build reliable, high-integrity communication layers.
• Conduct risk assessments and apply knowledge of safety standards such as ISA 84 and IEC 61508 to build inherently safe control strategies.
• Communicate clearly in English, leading technical discussions in hybrid, cross-site international teams and presenting complex ideas to diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrate practical, hands-on abilities with a proven track record in hardware/software integration and exceptional debugging skills in demanding environments.
• Drive end-to-end delivery of control functions, from concept and design through implementation, testing, and final acceptance in research facilities.
• Support ongoing optimization of control logic and interfaces based on operational feedback and evolving experimental requirements.

Requirements

• Hold a degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Control/Automation, Mechatronics/Robotics, Physics, or a related field with a focus on PLC-based control, embedded, or real-time systems.
• Bring 5+ years (senior level) of experience in plant control systems, factory automation, embedded software, or complex scientific experimental environments utilizing PLC-based elements.
• Be proficient in PLC programming in Structured Text (IEC 61131-3) with strong software engineering practices, including modularization, version control (e.g., Git), and unit testing.
• Have experience with SCADA systems (e.g., Ignition, EPICS, Tango, WinCC, FactoryTalk, AVEVA, etc.) and in delivering stakeholder-facing HMIs with robust alarm and error handling.
• Be skilled at reading electrical wiring diagrams and P&IDs, and be effective in collaborating with electrical and mechanical teams.
• Be familiar with industrial networking and fieldbus protocols such as EtherCAT, OPC UA, and Modbus TCP.
• Be knowledgeable in risk assessment processes and safety standards (e.g., ISA 84, IEC 61508).
• Be a clear English communicator, comfortable leading technical discussions in hybrid, cross-site international teams.
• Be a practical, hands-on engineer with a proven track record in hardware/software integration and exceptional debugging skills.

Nice to have

• Hands-on experience with Beckhoff PLCs and TwinCAT.
• Understanding of DDS (Data Distribution Service) protocol and associated tools.
• Proficiency in OPC UA protocol and utilities.
• Experience designing vacuum control systems.
• Familiarity with US control cabinet standards (NEC, UL508A).
• Expertise in safety-critical systems (safety relays, SIL determination, LOPA, risk assessment).
• Proficiency in a higher-level language (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++).
• Possession of advanced LabVIEW certifications (CLD, CLED, CLA) and hands-on NI hardware experience (PXIe, cRIO).
• Experience with non-PLC embedded or real-time systems (FPGAs, RTOS, microcontrollers, robotics).
• Background in large-scale scientific equipment or research facilities.
• Knowledge of image processing, machine vision, motion control, and robotics.

Practical notes

Hours: Standard office hours apply, with minimal on-call responsibilities mostly limited to regular business hours.

Travel: Occasional travel to the German site is required.

Visa: Candidates must be eligible to work in Germany.

Equal opportunity: Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment.