Prototype Engineer at Focused Energy

Your Role

As a Prototype Engineer at Focused Energy, you’ll play a hands-on role in the integration and testing of the hardware that supports our laser-driven fusion technology. Based onsite in Austin, you’ll work alongside scientists and senior engineers in our Target Tracking & Engagement lab, helping turn test plans into successful experiments.

You’ll gain practical experience working with sensitive optics, laser systems, test rigs, and advanced hardware while contributing directly to fast-moving development and test campaigns. This is an opportunity to build your technical expertise in a highly collaborative environment where your work helps keep experiments moving.

What You'll Do

• Execute integration and qualification tests according to approved test plans and operating procedures.

• Maintain and prepare test rigs, lab hardware, software, and configurations for upcoming campaigns.

• Perform precision alignment and safe operation of optics and laser systems.

• Support the build, teardown, troubleshooting, and upgrades of test rigs alongside senior engineers.

• Work with scientists to translate test procedures into executable sequences during test campaigns.

• Document test results, issues, and observations clearly so senior engineers and scientists can quickly diagnose and address problems.

• Provide hands-on technical support across the engineering team as needed.

• Follow established safety practices and proactively flag potential hazards or gaps.

Who You Are

• A degree and/or hands-on technical background in engineering, physics, optics, or a related field.

• A strong interest in experimental hardware, test and integration, and hands-on engineering.

• Familiarity with basic optics and laser alignment, test equipment, or hardware/software diagnostics.

• A methodical approach to executing technical procedures while remaining adaptable when experiments don't go exactly as planned.

• Strong attention to detail, particularly when working with sensitive equipment and precision systems.

• Clear communication skills and the ability to work closely with scientists and engineers.

• A safety-first mindset and willingness to work hands-on in a laboratory environment.

• Curiosity, initiative, and a desire to grow toward greater ownership of troubleshooting and system integration.