Project Manager – Laser-Driven Radiation Source (f/m/d)

Job description

Company Overview Focused Energy is a laser-driven fusion company building technologies that can unlock clean, abundant energy. Alongside our long-term mission, we also develop near-term, high-impact applications based on compact laser-driven radiation sources that combine MeV X-rays and fast neutrons in a single system for non-destructive testing and advanced inspection. Role Overview We are looking for a Project Manager to lead the execution of the worlds first laser-driven radiation source prototype, bringing together multiple subsystem owners and engineering teams to deliver a research-operable prototype. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys turning complex technical development into a structured plan, enabling teams to deliver on time, and building an operational hardware system. You will work together with the main system owners within the project make sure the right work happens at the right time, with clear interfaces, controlled changes, and strong transparency. Key Responsibilities Own the integrated project plan: maintain the master schedule across subsystems, dependencies, and critical path; drive recovery plans when milestones slip. Lead project governance and cadence: run core meetings, maintain decisions and actions, and ensure consistent status reporting that highlights progress, blockers, and next steps. Align work to the technical roadmap: ensure subsystem plans and milestones stay consistent with the program direction; surface deviations early and drive resolution. Drive requirements and interface management : Ensure system-level requirements and interfaces are tracked, implemented and validated consistently and are under change control. Decision traceability : Establish a way with the team to efficiently document progress and make decisions traceable. Own risk and issue management : maintain a single risk register process with mitigation ownership, regular review cadence, and clear escalation paths. Steer and track the risk reduction over time to meet the project goals. Budget & procurement coordination: track budget, forecasts, and changes; coordinate long-lead procurement tracking with engineering and system owners. Verification & readiness: plan and guide readiness reviews with system owners (e.g., design reviews, integration readiness, commissioning readiness); ensure evidence, test plans, and acceptance criteria are captured. Sa…