Lead Mechanical Engineer (f/m/d)

Department: LDRS

Location: Darmstadt, DE

Employment Type: FullTime

About Focused Energy

At Focused Energy, we are developing NeoLyte, a breakthrough initiative pioneering compact, laser-driven radiation sources (LDRS) utilizing high-power laser technology. These dual-mode sources combine MeV X-rays and fast neutrons in a single, modular system, enabling real-time, non-destructive inspection of a wide range of materials—including complex and shielded items. NeoLyte's technology addresses critical challenges in nuclear waste analysis, contraband detection, infrastructure inspection, and medical isotope production. With a unique combination of resolution, material specificity, and deployment flexibility, LDRS creates opportunities far beyond the limits of conventional systems. Our cross-disciplinary team unites experts in laser and plasma physics, engineering, and AI. We're building our first pilot facility in Biblis, Germany, and targeting market readiness and commercial deployment soon. Join us to help shape this deep-tech venture from the ground up!

Role Purpose

The Lead Mechanical Engineer serves as the technical authority and competence lead for Mechanical Engineering within SourceLight. You will build, maintain, and scale mechanical engineering capabilities to ensure consistent quality, robust methodologies, and long-term technical sustainability across all LDRS products and development phases.

In this role, you will own complex mechanical architectures and key system-level decisions, while establishing standards, best practices, design principles, and providing technical mentorship—enabling the engineering team to operate efficiently and at a high professional level.

Key Responsibilities

1. Mechanical Engineering Competence Development

   • Build and refine competence frameworks, standards, guidelines, CAD and drawing conventions, validation approaches, and act as the technical escalation point.

   • Drive hiring, onboarding, and upskilling of engineers; ensure consistent, high-quality outputs.

2. Technical Leadership & Design Authority

   • Lead system-level mechanical architectures, develop complex concepts, drive risk reduction and scalability, ensure regulatory compliance.

3. Mentoring & Technical Coaching

   • Mentor junior/mid-level engineers, provide technical guidance, foster engineering rigor and continuous improvement.

4. Cross-Disciplinary Integration

   • Ensure well-integrated solutions with other disciplines, translate requirements into architectures, support installation and commissioning.

5. Engineering Process & Quality

   • Define and evolve processes, lead and participate in reviews and risk assessments, ensure design traceability.

Expected Behaviors & Leadership

• Serve as a technical leader and role model.

• Take ownership of decisions, standards, and outcomes—especially in complex situations.

• Mentor and develop your team, foster accountability and promote continuous improvement.

• Make timely, well-documented decisions based on analysis and data.

• Communicate complex topics clearly and proactively align with other disciplines.

• Set high standards for engineering rigor and technical integrity.

• Embrace organizational and technical change.

• Encourage experimentation and learning, balancing quality, safety, and compliance.

• Shape mechanical engineering as a sustainable, scalable core competence for LDRS’s long-term success.

Required Expertise

• Deep expertise in mechanical system design, architecture, and integration of complex hardware

• Strong experience with DFM/DFA, tolerancing, materials, and manufacturing processes

• Proven ability to define engineering standards, methods, and best practices

• System-level thinking with experience managing interfaces, trade-offs, and technical risk

• Advanced CAD and mechanical analysis tool proficiency (e.g., tolerance analysis, FEM)

• Experience with challenging environments (e.g., vacuum, radiation, thermal loads)

• Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and develop a high-performing team

• Excellent mentoring, coaching, and decision-making skills

• Clear communicator with strong cross-disciplinary credibility

If you are ready to help revolutionize the future of inspection, safety, and scientific discovery, apply today and become a foundational part of our journey at Focused Energy!

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.