Machine Layout Engineer (f/m/d)

About Focused Energy

At Focused Energy, we're pioneering NeoLyte—a compact, laser-driven radiation source (LDRS) technology that combines MeV X-rays and fast neutrons for real-time, non-destructive inspection. Our modular, high-power laser systems unlock advances in nuclear waste analysis, contraband detection, infrastructure inspection, and medical isotope production. We're building our first pilot facility in Biblis, Germany, and moving rapidly toward commercial deployment. Join us to help shape this deep-tech venture from the ground up!

Role Overview

As a Machine Layout Engineer, you'll be part of the Systems Engineering Department (LDRS Source Light), based in Darmstadt, with a hybrid working model. You will own the layout engineering for the LDRS product line on system level. You will collaborate closely across mechanical design, facility engineering, systems engineering, and operations disciplines combining customer and internal requirements — to deliver robust, scalable system solutions that meet technical, regulatory, and operational demands.

Key Responsibilities

• System-level layout ownership: Define and manage all system-level layout aspects (including breakdowns of volume, footprint, tolerance, dimensions (move-in), mass, mechanical install, module breakdown, interfaces). Collaborate closely with customers and suppliers to derive future product requirements and translate them into system specifications.

• Baselines, change, and configuration: Establish and maintain both functional and physical layout baselines. Define the system-level verification and validation strategy, drive milestones and design reviews focused on layout maturity. Govern configuration control and evaluate change impacts on layout-related system aspects. Drive clear and transparent decisionmaking.

• Installation, build, and integration lifecycle: Develop and own the complete installation and movein sequence. Ensure that system designs comply with safety regulations and facility standards, service and access needs, including maintenance corridors, ergonomic handling, and replacement strategies.

• Interface leadership and integration control: Define, document and govern mechanical interfaces between modules and between system and facility. Define and maintain a tolerance budget. Provide integration leadership by ensuring alignment across disciplines (mechanical, laser, vacuum, controls, safety) and maintain CAD/PLM data consistency with functional and physical baselines.

• Bridge R&D to industrialization: Translate layouts into installable, serviceable, and serializable system architectures. Apply design for installation, serviceability and manufacturability, while standardizing interfaces,submodules, and alignment strategies.

• System Engineering & Organizational Enablement: Support the implementation of Systems Engineering and Machine Layout methodologies across the organization. Contribute to requirement engineering frameworks, documentation structures, and crossfunctional processes. Coach teams on system architecture, change control and layoutdriven decisionmaking.

Required Skills & Experience

• 7+ years developing large, integrated interdisciplinary systems (e.g., lasers, semiconductors, nuclear, medical devices, advanced manufacturing)

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent experience)

• Advanced CAD proficiency, strong tolerance analysis, and systems integration experience

• Proven experience translating complex layouts into practical, industrialized system architectures

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills

• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management in a multi-disciplinary setting

• Experience with systems engineering is a plus

Help us revolutionize inspection, safety, and science. Apply and become a foundational part of our mission 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.