Senior IT Systems Engineer

Focused Energy is a fusion energy startup with the goal of generating unlimited clean energy to responsibly meet future global demand. The founders include two highly renowned scientists and a long-time entrepreneur and founder of several successful startups. With the use and commercialization of laser-induced inertial fusion, a clean and highly efficient power generation technology is coming within reach, suitable to ensure a secure and scalable future energy supply.

What you’ll do:

• Hybrid Work: Maintain a regular onsite presence (3–5 days/week) at our Darmstadt office. Flexibly adapt to evolving in-person needs in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• IT Projects & Process Improvement: Lead or support key initiatives such as tool rollouts, system upgrades, security audits, or automation efforts. Identify and implement opportunities to improve IT efficiency, scalability, and user experience.
• Systems Engineering: Design, deploy, and manage a hybrid IT environment encompassing virtual machines, servers, cloud platforms, shared drives, and network infrastructure.
• SaaS Ecosystem Administration: Manage and optimize our SaaS-first stack—including Google Workspace, Atlassian (Jira/Confluence), Slack, and Zoom—while supporting external collaboration via Microsoft 365 tools (Office, Teams, SharePoint).
• Security & Access Management: Maintain endpoint security, MDM, patching, and access controls to uphold organizational security standards and minimize risk.
• Asset & License Management: Assist with the procurement, allocation, and lifecycle management of hardware and software licenses, ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness.
• IT Onboarding & Offboarding: Assist with IT onboarding for new hires, including provisioning, equipment setup, and training. Handle hardware returns and access revocation during offboarding.
• Audio-Visual Support: Set up, maintain, and troubleshoot AV systems in conference rooms to ensure smooth meeting experiences.
• End-User Support: Provide hands-on support for users across macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, iPadOS, and Android as needed. Resolve hardware, software, and connectivity issues—including printers and peripherals—while managing and prioritizing incoming support tickets.
  
  

Who you are:

• 5+ years of professional experience in IT infrastructure, automation, or systems engineering. Exposure to DevOps practices is a plus.
• Fluent in German and English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Comfortable translating technical topics for diverse audiences.
• A proactive, solution-oriented thinker with experience improving IT workflows through automation and scripting.
• A security-first mindset with working knowledge of access controls, device management, patching, and zero-trust principles.
• Strong technical foundation in SaaS operations, VM management, Windows/Linux server administration, firewalls, and network configuration.
• Analytical and resourceful when troubleshooting complex technical issues, with the ability to prioritize effectively under pressure.
• Highly skilled in developing and maintaining clear, standardized documentation—including SOPs, process guides, and knowledge base articles—to support team training, knowledge transfer, and consistent service delivery.
  
  

Why Work with Us?

• Innovative Technology & Mission: Be part of a cutting-edge company working on groundbreaking research in clean energy and scientific discovery.
• Career Development: We invest in our people. This is an opportunity to join an early, growing company at the forefront of new technology, where you’ll have the opportunity to develop and grow your career.
• Collaborative Culture: Work with great people in a dynamic, international environment with top-tier scientists, engineers, and professionals passionate about solving global challenges.
• Ownership: Take ownership from day 1 and drive impact by making decisions, solving challenges, and shaping the future of our company.
• Your Success is our Success: We offer a competitive salary and company ownership in the form of stock options, giving you a direct stake in our success and ownership in what we build together.
• Vacation Days: We support your work-life-balance by granting you 30 days of vacation per year.
• Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks. Our Darmstadt office even offers a subsidized canteen with delicious lunch options daily.
• Retirement Plan: If you decide for a private pension plan, we will finance 15% on top of your monthly contributions.
• Equipment: Choose between a state of the art Windows or Apple Laptop. In addition, you will receive a keyboard, mouse and headset so you are fully equipped from day 1.
• Events: We organize regular events to foster team bonding, encourage collaboration, and build a strong, supportive company culture. Connect with colleagues across departments, share ideas, and have fun together, both in and outside of the workplace.
  
  

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.