Controls Systems Engineer (f/m/d)

About Focused Energy Focused Energy is an international deep-tech company based in Germany and the US, working to commercialize laser-driven nuclear fusion. Our mission is to provide clean, safe, and virtually unlimited energy to the world. We are rapidly scaling and looking for talented individuals who thrive in building clarity and structure within fast-growing environments. Join us as a Control Systems Engineer and help to provide the clean energy of the future. In this role, you will lead the design and delivery of critical control systems across our experimental and production environments in Germany and the USA, and work closely with a passionate, cross‑functional team.

You will report to the Controls Engineering Lead and join a small, collaborative local team of 3–5 engineers based in Austin, TX. The role is hybrid, with the expectation of occasional travel to our Germany site. Working hours are standard office hours; on-call requirements are minimal and largely confined to business hours. What You’ll Do Lead the design and development of PLC-based control subsystems, supporting cutting-edge laser fusion technologies, and work in collaboration with scientists and engineers to gather requirements and iterate solutions. Own the integration and control systems for critical experiment support infrastructure such as vacuum, pneumatics, and cooling plant. Develop control software for modern PLCs such as Beckhoff TwinCAT in Structured Text (IEC 61131-3) for machine safety and process control systems. Commission complex experimental equipment together with scientists and engineers, including field debugging and systematic fault-finding of cutting-edge technology. Specify and implement SCADA systems and HMIs, including alarms, logging, data acquisition, and database integration. Contribute to team standards and solution architecture, and mentor junior engineers through design reviews and guidance.

Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Control/Automation, Mechatronics/Robotics, Physics or similar, with a focus on PLC-based control, embedded or real‑time systems. 5+ years in plant control systems, factory automation, embedded software, or complex scientific experimental work with significant PLC-based elements. Proficient in PLC programming in Structured Text (IEC 61131-3) following good software engineering practice, including modularization, version control (e.g. Git), and unit testing. Knowledge of SCADA systems (e.g. Ignition, EPICS, Tango, WinCC, FactoryTalk, AVEVA) and hands-on experience of delivering HMIs to stakeholders, including alarm and error handling, status and data visualization. Proficient in reading electrical wiring diagrams and P&IDs, collaborating with electrical and mechanical engineering teams to deliver physical systems. Familiarity with industrial networking and fieldbus protocols such as EtherCAT, OPC UA, and Modbus TCP. Familiarity with risk assessment processes and relevant safety standards (e.g. ISA 84, IEC 61508). Clear communicator in English, comfortable working in hybrid and international cross-site teams, self-organized and proactive, comfortable leading technical discussions and decisions. Practical, hands-on approach with proven experience in hardware/software integration, and a strong track record in debugging and fault-finding on real systems. Desirable Skills and Knowledge (be sure to highlight any of the following in your application): Beckhoff PLCs and TwinCAT. DDS (Data Distribution Service) protocol, related tools and utilities. OPC UA protocol, related tools and utilities. Design of vacuum control systems. Designing control cabinet hardware to US standards (NEC, UL508A). Safety-critical systems design: safety relays, SIL determination, LOPA, risk assessment. Proficiency in at least one higher-level language (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++). Higher LabVIEW qualifications (CLD, CLED, CLA) and NI hardware experience (PXIe, cRIO). Other