Engineering Delivery Lead (f/m/d)

About Focused Energy

Focused Energy is a pioneering fusion energy startup committed to generating unlimited, clean energy to responsibly meet future global demand. By commercializing laser-induced inertial fusion, we are bringing a highly efficient and sustainable power generation technology within reach—enabling a secure and scalable energy future.

Role Overview

We are seeking an Engineering Delivery Lead to elevate and drive engineering practices across Focused Energy. This role operates within our Core Engineering group, working across mechanical, electrical, and controls disciplines—not confined to a single technology vertical. You will ensure engineering activities are consistently structured, integrated, and delivered from concept through commissioning.

This is not a traditional project management role. Instead, you will define, implement, and enforce engineering delivery processes, working cross-functionally to ensure:

• Clear and actionable requirements

• Controlled and staged design progression

• Robust interface and system integration management

• Consistent and disciplined execution

You will be the execution engine of Core Engineering, bridging engineering delivery with organizational structure and ensuring engineered systems are not just designed, but fully built, integrated, and operational.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Execution & Delivery

• Lead the delivery of engineering-driven projects (e.g., facility systems, infrastructure, integration platforms, test systems)

• Guide projects through structured stages: requirements → concept → design → build → commissioning

• Drive accountability for consistent, on-time engineering delivery across teams

Engineering Process & Standards

• Define and implement Core Engineering ways of working, including:

  • Stage-gate processes

  • Formal design reviews

  • Documentation standards

  • Interface definition (ICDs)

• Ensure standards are consistently applied across Mechanical, Electrical, and Controls disciplines

• Prevent unstructured or uncontrolled design, procurement, and build activities

Cross-Disciplinary Integration

• Coordinate Mechanical, Electrical, and Controls engineering activities

• Ensure alignment of requirements, interfaces, and system architectures

• Resolve integration challenges across subsystems

System Integration & Interface Management

• Define and manage system interfaces (mechanical, electrical, controls, data)

• Ensure subsystem and vendor compatibility

• Support development and maintenance of integrated system architectures

Work Structuring & Planning

• Decompose engineering work into clear, actionable deliverables and work packages

• Align engineering activities with project milestones and timelines

• Partner with the PMO to reflect engineering progress in tracking tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence)

Technical Decision Support

• Facilitate structured trade-offs and decision-making within engineering teams

• Ensure solutions are buildable, scalable, and cost/schedule-aligned

• Challenge assumptions and promote practical, value-driven engineering outcomes

Supplier & External Interface Coordination

• Collaborate with suppliers and partners on engineering deliverables

• Set clear, robust technical specifications

• Support make-vs-buy decisions and technical validation

Commissioning & Delivery Support

• Oversee system installation, integration, and commissioning

• Lead troubleshooting during build and integration phases

• Ensure seamless transition of systems into operation

What This Role Is / Is Not

This role IS:

• Engineering execution leadership

• Focused on delivering real, working systems

• Cross-functional across Mechanical, Electrical, and Controls

• Responsible for defining and enforcing engineering structures

This role is NOT:

• A traditional Project Manager function

• A reporting or tracking-only position

• Embedded within a single subsystem team

• Primarily design or research focused

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, or Systems Engineering

• 5–10+ years’ experience delivering complex engineering systems

• Experience with system integration in multidisciplinary environments

• Strong working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and control systems (and their interfaces)

• Hands-on experience with structured engineering processes and design control

Key Skills

• Strong cross-disciplinary engineering judgment

• Ability to structure and clarify ambiguous work into executable plans

• Excellent communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences

• Comfortable operating in fast-moving and evolving environments

• Adept at driving clarity, structure, and accountability

Desirable Experience

• Background in complex facilities, experimental systems, or high-tech environments

• Experience in energy, fusion, aerospace, automation, or large-scale infrastructure projects

• Exposure to control systems (PLCs, real-time systems, DAQ)

• Experience with first-of-a-kind (FOAK) system delivery

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.