Working Student Intern - Laser Lab & Cleanroom Operations

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

Focused Energy seeks a Working Student - Laser Lab & Cleanroom Operations (f/m/d) for our Laser Lab in Darmstadt to support laser experiment design and setup. You will assist with cleanroom operations, including preparing and inspecting optical components, setting up support systems, electronics, and measurement equipment, and helping commission cooling and driver units. After setup, you will operate experiments and collect data. This immersive, hands-on role involves daily collaboration with lab and controls engineers in a cleanroom, requiring precision, adherence to

What You'll Do

• Assist the Laser Lab team in designing and building laser experiments in the Darmstadt Optical Lab.

• Support cleanroom operations by setting up support systems and preparing components.

• Clean and inspect optical and mechanical components according to cleanroom standards.

• Set up electronics and measurement equipment for experiments.

• Collaborate with engineers to commission cooling and driver units.

• Operate experiments and collect data under engineering supervision.

• Adhere to cleanroom and lab safety protocols, and promptly report any deviations.

Who You Are

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physics, Optics/Photonics, Laser Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• You possess a basic understanding of optics, lasers, or experimental physics through coursework or laboratory experience.

• Comfortable with hands-on hardware work, demonstrating careful, precise, and methodical handling of sensitive components.

• Able to reliably follow structured procedures and safety protocols (such as cleanroom or laboratory guidelines).

• Basic familiarity with electronics and measurement equipment, such as oscilloscopes, power meters, or similar devices.

• You demonstrate reliability, a structured and proactive approach, and a willingness to learn in a hands-on laboratory environment.

• Strong English skills.

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.

• Vacation Days: We support your work-life-balance by granting you 30 days of vacation per year.

• Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks. Our Darmstadt office even offers a canteen with delicious lunch options daily.

• Retirement Plan: If you decide for a private pension plan, we will finance 20% on top of your monthly contributions, plus loyalty incentives.

• 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.

• Mobility with NAVIT: We partner with NAVIT to support your flexible commuting needs—whether it’s a public transportation ticket, taxi rides or car-sharing you choose what fits your lifestyle.

• Fitness with Wellhub: We care about your health. Get access to a wide range of gyms, fitness studios and wellness services across Europe through our partnership with Wellhub.

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.