Controls Engineer jobs in United States
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Focused Energy · 1 day ago

Controls Engineer

positionAustin, TX
timeFull-time
remoteOnsite
senioritySenior Level
date5+ years exp

Focused Energy is a pioneering fusion energy start-up committed to generating clean electrical energy. The Controls Engineer will lead the development and integration of control systems for the Target Test Experiment project, supporting all phases from design to operations.

Clean EnergyEnergyRenewable Energy

Responsibilities

Define and implement the control system architecture for the TTE platform
Develop control interfaces for gas gun operations, diagnostics equipment, and facility safety systems
Design and implement HMI tools for operational workflows and system monitoring
Specify and integrate data acquisition systems with precise time synchronization
Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, and diagnostics engineering to ensure system alignment
Produce documentation, configuration control, and interface definitions to FE standards
Support onsite commissioning, troubleshooting, and system optimization
Adapt the control system as the project evolves through test and operational phases

Qualification

Controls EngineeringPLC-based control systemsHMI developmentData acquisition systemsSafety-rated control functionsSystem-level debuggingSignal interfacingAnalytical mindsetCross-disciplinary collaborationProactive problem-solverDetail-oriented

Required

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field
5+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation, or scientific/industrial system integration
Proven experience with PLC-based control systems (e.g., Beckhoff, Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and industrial communication protocols
Experience with safety-rated control functions and interlock systems
Hands-on experience with HMI development, system configuration, and commissioning
Competency in data acquisition systems, synchronisation methods, and signal interfacing
Ability to read and develop control schematics, interface specifications, and system documentation
Demonstrated ability to work within multi-disciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, diagnostics)
Strong troubleshooting skills and experience with system-level debugging in live environments
Eligibility to work in the United States (Austin, Texas)

Preferred

Experience with PLCs (e.g., Beckhoff, Siemens), industrial networks, and safety systems
Experience with software control frameworks (LabVIEW, EPICS, Python-based control layers)
Knowledge of data acquisition timing, synchronisation protocols, and signal processing
Understanding of laser facility operations, vacuum systems, or high-speed diagnostics (advantageous)
Experience with cleanroom or scientific facilities

Benefits

Incentive compensation
Equity
Benefits

Company

Focused Energy

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Focused Energy pioneers laser-driven fusion for clean power, using inertial confinement to develop sustainable, commercial energy solutions.
dateFounded in 2021
location
Austin, Texas, USA
people-size11-50 employees
web-link
https://www.focused-energy.co

Funding

Current Stage
Early Stage
Total Funding
$121.7M
Key Investors
Amplitude LaserEIC Scaling ClubPrime Movers Lab
2024-12-17Corporate Round· $40M
2024-10-21Grant· $2.7M
2024-03-28Non Equity Assistance

Leadership Team

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Thomas Forner
Founder & CEO
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Dr. Anika Stein
Co-Founder
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Recent News

Startbase
Startup news for the weekend week 51/25
2025-12-19
Business Wire
Focused Energy Strengthens Leadership Team to Accelerate Industrialization of Laser Fusion
2025-12-17
The Cool Down
Startup launches project to create fuel for near-infinite energy machines: 'We can do it in a facility the size of a Starbucks'
2025-08-02
Company data provided by crunchbase