Vacuum Engineer (f/m/d)

Company Overview

Focused Energy is the leading laser-driven fusion company, pursuing the most promising path to clean, limitless fusion power. With locations in Darmstadt, Germany, and the San Francisco Bay Area, we bring together top scientific and engineering minds to unlock commercially viable fusion energy using proven technologies. We are driving the next chapter of economic growth and scientific innovation through the widespread adoption of clean, abundant fusion energy.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Vacuum Engineer with hands-on experience in both small-scale experimental systems and large-scale vacuum infrastructure. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, specification, integration, and operation of vacuum systems that support our laser, diagnostic, and reactor development platforms.

As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will work at the intersection of mechanical engineering, controls, and facility design. This position requires both practical engineering judgment and comprehensive system-level thinking.

Key Responsibilities

System Design & Engineering

Design and specify vacuum systems for:

Small experimental setups (e.g., optical benches, diagnostic chambers)

Medium-scale systems (e.g., beamlines, target chambers)

Large-scale infrastructure (e.g., facility vacuum systems, reactor-relevant environments)

Define vacuum system requirements (pressure ranges, pump-down times, cleanliness, leak rates)

Perform calculations for conductance, outgassing, pump sizing, and transient pump-down behavior

Equipment Specification & Integration

Select and specify pumps (turbo, cryo, scroll, roots, backing systems), valves, gauges, seals, and feedthroughs

Choose vacuum-compatible materials and surface treatments

Interface with vendors and evaluate technical proposals

Support procurement of long-lead vacuum equipment

System Integration

Integrate vacuum systems into laser systems, beam transport, target injection and tracking systems, diagnostic equipment, and facility infrastructure

Collaborate with controls engineers on pump sequencing, interlocks and safety systems, monitoring, and automation

Build, Test & Commissioning

Support assembly, installation, and commissioning of vacuum systems

Develop and implement leak testing procedures (e.g., helium leak detection)

Conduct pump-down testing and performance validation

Troubleshoot system issues such as leaks, contamination, and instability

Operations & Continuous Improvement

Develop operating procedures and maintenance plans

Enhance system reliability, uptime, and overall performance

Support scaling efforts from prototype to facility-level deployment

Required Experience & Skills

Core Experience

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field

3–10+ years of experience working with vacuum systems

Proven experience in both laboratory/experimental and large/industrial vacuum systems

Technical Expertise

Strong understanding of vacuum physics (flow regimes, outgassing, conductance)

Expertise in pump technologies, sealing methods (CF, KF, ISO, elastomer vs metal seals), and vacuum system design and calculations

Hands-on experience with leak detection, troubleshooting, and working with clean or ultra-clean systems (preferred)

Familiarity with chemical and/or particulate vacuum cleanliness testing (e.g., RGA, NVR, particle measurement) is a plus

Practical Skills

Experience building and commissioning vacuum systems

Ability to read and produce engineering drawings (Inventor or similar CAD tools)

Experience collaborating with suppliers and managing technical specifications

Systems & Collaboration

Experience working in multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, controls)

Understanding of vacuum systems interfaces with control systems (PLC/cRIO or similar), safety systems, and facility infrastructure

Nice to Have

Experience with high-energy physics, fusion, semiconductor, or laser systems

Knowledge of large or complex distributed vacuum systems, fast pump-down, or cyclic operation

Familiarity with cleanroom environments and UHV/XHV systems

What We’re Looking For

Strong engineering ownership and accountability

Ability to work at both the detail and system level

Pragmatic, hands-on problem solver

Comfortable working in a fast-moving, evolving environment

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.