Senior Mechanical Engineer
Job description
About the role
The Senior Mechanical Engineer provides technical leadership for mechanical systems that enable laser-driven nuclear fusion experiments. This role translates high-level engineering concepts into practical, manufacturable solutions while rigorously advancing design maturity through structured review cycles. The engineer acts as a technical guide for colleagues, ensuring seamless integration readiness and disciplined execution across critical project milestones. You will own the mechanical strategy for systems that operate in demanding laser-driven environments, translating performance requirements into robust hardware architectures. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is central, as your decisions directly influence the alignment between mechanical integrity and broader system functionality. You will mentor less experienced engineers, elevating the quality of designs and fostering a culture of technical excellence. Success in this position is measured by your ability to deliver reliable mechanical solutions that withstand the scrutiny of high-vacuum and high-energy operational conditions.
Key facts
What you'll do
Define and lead the mechanical design of subsystems that support laser-driven nuclear fusion experiments, ensuring alignment with project objectives and safety protocols.
Develop detailed mechanical schematics, simulations, and drawings that translate abstract requirements into concrete component and assembly specifications.
Perform in-depth analysis of mechanical behavior under complex loading conditions, including thermal, structural, and vibrational characteristics in high-vacuum contexts.
Champion the creation of design documentation that meets rigorous standards, enabling clear communication with controls, safety, and facilities engineering partners.
Drive the development of manufacturing strategies and process plans that balance performance goals with practical fabrication and assembly constraints.
Lead integration activities by coordinating with cross-functional teams to resolve interface challenges and verify that mechanical components function within the larger experimental system.
Establish and maintain rigorous design review practices that validate assumptions, surface risks early, and promote continuous improvement in engineering workflows.
Implement and refine mechanical test procedures to validate prototypes, interpret results, and iterate on designs based on empirical evidence.
Serve as the primary mechanical authority within the project, providing clear technical direction and decision-making support to stakeholders.
Mentor junior engineers by providing guidance on best practices, problem-solving techniques, and standards for delivering high-quality mechanical solutions.
Collaborate with procurement and supply chain partners to ensure that selected materials and components meet stringent technical and regulatory requirements.
Utilize advanced 3D CAD tools to model complex assemblies, manage bill of materials, and ensure that designs are manufacturable and serviceable.
Champion a culture of ownership by tracking mechanical risks, issues, and action items through to successful resolution and closure.
Contribute to the development of technical roadmaps that anticipate future capability needs for laser-driven systems and related infrastructure.
Promote knowledge transfer across the team by documenting design rationales, lessons learned, and insights from testing and field evaluations.
Requirements
The role requires a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline as a foundational credential.
Candidates must possess 8+ years of hands-on experience in mechanical design, development, and integration of complex systems.
Demonstrated expertise in 3D CAD is mandatory, with a strong preference for proficiency in Autodesk Inventor.
Technical ownership of mechanical subsystems or work packages across multidisciplinary interfaces, including controls, safety, and facilities, is a strict requirement.
A commitment to equal opportunity principles is expected, aligning with the employer's policies and practices.
The ability to operate effectively in a regulated, high-stakes environment involving laser-driven experiments and high-vacuum systems is essential.
Proven capacity to lead design reviews and translate stakeholder requirements into actionable mechanical specifications is necessary.
Strong problem-solving skills and a structured approach to diagnosing mechanical failures during development and testing are required.
Nice to have
Experience with laser-driven systems or high-vacuum technology is preferred.
Familiarity with complex mechanical assemblies and associated testing methodologies is advantageous.
Background in deep-tech environments that emphasize clarity, structure, and rapid iteration is valued.
Practical notes
This role is subject to German employment and equal opportunity policies.
Typical interview steps
Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.
Good to know
The role works with laser-driven fusion systems and high‑vacuum environments.
Tools include complex mechanical assemblies, 3D CAD software, and cross‑functional interface coordination.
The position operates within a fast‑growing deep‑tech environment that emphasizes clarity and structure.
Design reviews and system integration are central to the workflow.
Mentoring is a core responsibility that supports both individual growth and team capability.
Questions to ask
Worth asking in any interview: how the team measures success, who the role works with daily, what the onboarding looks like, and what the company is trying to achieve this year. Asking what past hires did well is a strong final question. Keep the list short and pick the questions that matter most to you.
Career growth
Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.
About the company
Energy Focused Energy is at the forefront of developing NeoLyte - a pioneering initiative in compact, laser-driven radiation sources (LDRS) utilizing high-power laser technology. Our dual-mode LDRS platform integrates MeV X-rays and fast neutrons within a single, modular system, enabling real-time, non-destructive inspection of even the most complex and shielded materials.