Supply Chain Engineer

About the role

Focused Energy is an international deep-tech company based in Germany and the US, working to commercialize laser-driven nuclear fusion. The role you will fill is critical to our mission of providing clean, safe, and virtually unlimited energy to the world. As the Supply Chain Engineer, you will own the sourcing, development, and delivery of complex engineering systems and components across our programs. You must thrive in building clarity and structure within fast-growing environments while operating at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, and supplier development. You will ensure that critical components - from precision optics and vacuum systems to mechanical assemblies and control hardware - are technically viable, manufacturable, and delivered on time. This is not a traditional procurement role; you will embed within engineering teams and take ownership of supply chain strategy as part of system delivery, not as a downstream function.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Partner directly with Mechanical, Electrical, and Controls teams to define supply strategies aligned to system design.
• Translate engineering requirements into sourcing and manufacturing plans that anticipate technical and schedule constraints.
• Ensure early supplier involvement in concept and design phases to de-risk technical and manufacturability challenges.
• Identify, qualify, and develop suppliers for high-spec, first-of-a-kind components that meet our rigorous performance standards.
• Build long-term partnerships with key vendors across Europe and globally to secure strategic capacity and capability.
• Assess supplier technical capability, capacity, and scalability to support both prototype and series production needs.
• Support procurement of complex systems such as vacuum equipment, precision machining, diagnostics hardware, and control systems.
• Manage RFQs, technical bid evaluations, and supplier selection in collaboration with engineering to ensure optimal technical and commercial outcomes.
• Drive on-time delivery while maintaining strict adherence to technical and quality requirements throughout the supply chain.
• Define make vs buy strategies in collaboration with engineering leadership to optimize cost, risk, and schedule.
• Support development of manufacturing routes for bespoke components, ensuring alignment with production scalability.
• Ensure design for manufacturability (DfM) is embedded early to prevent rework and accelerate delivery.
• Establish quality expectations and inspection strategies with suppliers to ensure compliance with program requirements.
• Support FAT/SAT processes and acceptance criteria definition to validate system performance before shipment.
• Ensure traceability and documentation standards are met for all procured components and systems.
• Develop cost models and challenge assumptions during design phases to maintain fiscal discipline.
• Identify supply chain risks, including technical, schedule, and single-source dependencies, and mitigate them early.
• Support budgeting and cost tracking across projects to provide transparency and enable proactive decision-making.
• Work closely with Project Managers to align supply chain delivery with program milestones and critical paths.
• Provide clear visibility on lead times, risks, and delivery status to enable informed decision-making.
• Support rapid iteration cycles typical of experimental systems by maintaining flexibility and responsiveness.

Requirements

• 7+ years in engineering supply chain, technical procurement, or manufacturing engineering with a strong track record of delivering complex systems.
• Experience sourcing complex, low-volume, high-spec systems (not commodity purchasing) across mechanical, electrical, and specialized domains.
• Strong understanding of mechanical fabrication & machining processes, including tolerance control and material selection.
• Strong understanding of electrical/control hardware supply, including lead times, qualification, and compliance requirements.
• Strong understanding of precision or scientific equipment (e.g. vacuum, optics, diagnostics) and the associated quality and test requirements.
• Proven ability to work directly with engineering teams on evolving designs, managing change without disrupting delivery.
• Experience managing suppliers across Europe and/or internationally, navigating regulatory, logistical, and cultural complexities.
• Demonstrated capability to operate in ambiguity and evolving designs while maintaining focus on delivery outcomes.
• Experience in supplier negotiation, relationship management, and strategic partnership development.
• Strong structured problem-solving and risk management skills, with the ability to anticipate and mitigate issues before they escalate.
• Clear communication skills to interface across engineering and commercial teams, translating technical requirements into actionable supply chain plans.
• Familiarity with quality systems, inspection processes, and compliance expectations for high-tech or regulated environments.
• Understanding of cost modeling, value engineering, and trade-off analysis to support competitive system pricing.
• Willingness to travel as required for supplier visits, vendor audits, and project reviews, subject to practical and regulatory constraints.
• Ability to obtain necessary security clearances or comply with export control regulations relevant to sensitive technology.

Nice to have

• Experience in fusion, aerospace, semiconductors, lasers, or advanced R&D environments where first-of-a-kind delivery is standard.
• Familiarity with vacuum systems, high-energy systems, or scientific instrumentation and their specific supply chain challenges.
• Exposure to first-of-a-kind (FOAK) system delivery and the associated risk management practices.
• Understanding of quality systems and inspection processes such as ISO, IATF, or AS9100 where applicable.
• Experience with supplier development programs and capability building in high-tech environments.
• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing, precision grinding, or optical fabrication.
• Experience with digital thread concepts, model-based definition, and data-driven supply chain visibility.
• Background in high-vacuum technology, cryogenic systems, or laser integration relevant to fusion applications.

Practical notes

• This is a full-time position based in Germany.
• Travel may be required for supplier visits, vendor audits, and project reviews.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in Germany and comply with local employment regulations.
• Visa sponsorship may be considered for qualified international candidates where applicable.
• The role is integral to the delivery of early-stage experimental systems, requiring flexibility to adapt to rapid iteration and evolving program priorities.
• Success in this role depends on the ability to manage concurrent tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain rigorous documentation across the supply chain.