Working Student LIDT Controls (f/m/d)

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

As a Working Student in Controls Engineering, you will support the development, testing, and documentation of control systems and experimental infrastructure within a cutting-edge industrial research environment. You will work alongside experienced engineers on clearly defined technical tasks and contribute to the improvement of LabVIEW-based tools, test setups, signal processing workflows, and broader control system activities.

This role is ideal for a hands-on, detail-oriented student who is eager to apply engineering knowledge in practice, gain exposure to real-world experimental systems, and build experience in a highly technical and innovative setting.

What You'll Do

• Develop, adapt and maintain LabVIEW-based tools or test applications for controls engineering, measurement, automation, or hardware interaction.
• Support the setup, testing, and verification of control system components, including sensors, actuators, I/O modules, signal paths, and small experimental test rigs.
• Help prepare and execute basic commissioning and troubleshooting activities, including signal checks, documentation of test results, and investigation of simple faults under supervision.
• Create and maintain clear technical documentation, including test procedures, wiring notes, I/O lists, block diagrams, user instructions, and engineering records.
• Work closely with controls, electrical, mechanical, software, and scientific colleagues to understand requirements and contribute to practical, maintainable engineering solutions.

Who You Are

• Currently enrolled at a German university or university of applied sciences in electrical engineering, automation engineering, mechatronics, physics, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related technical field.
• Availability to work as a working student in line with German conventions, typically up to 20 hours per week during lecture periods.
• Basic control systems understanding
• Basic understanding of measurement, automation, control systems, or hardware/software integration (LabView)
• Basic electrical and instrumentation understanding
• Signal testing and technical documentation
• Test procedure preparation
• Data acquisition and analysis basics
• Familiarity with engineering tools and version control
• Ability to work carefully with technical documentation, diagrams, test procedures, and engineering notes.
• Hands-on mindset and willingness to work with real hardware, test setups, and laboratory or engineering environments.
• Reliable, structured working style and ability to ask for clarification when requirements are unclear.

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.

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.