Project Manager (f/m/d) - Targetry Team at Focused

Focused Energy is a fusion energy startup striving to generate unlimited clean energy and meet future global demand responsibly. Founded by two highly renowned scientists and a successful serial entrepreneur, we are commercializing laser-induced inertial fusion—a clean, highly efficient technology that brings secure and scalable energy supply within reach. ROLE OVERVIEW Our Targetry Team enables the production, performance, and precision required for Deuterium-Tritium fuel pellets in laser-driven inertial fusion energy. We seek a highly organized and motivated Project Manager to drive the success of this mission-critical team. RESPONSIBILITIES - Proactively design, pilot, and refine lightweight PM processes (requirements, change control, interface management, reviews) in a fast growing organization - Help define how technical decisions are made, documented, and communicated in a rapidly evolving organization. - Bridge gaps between teams by creating pragmatic collaboration patterns across physics, engineering, operations, and external partners - Break down project goals into actionable tasks and detailed schedules - Track project progress and follow up with engineers and team leads on deliverables - Create and maintain project files, Jira boards, sprints, and comprehensive task lists - Schedule, document, and organize meetings such as milestone reviews, progress updates, and planning sessions - Maintain project documentation, change logs, and communication plans - Generate and distribute status updates, progress reports, and dashboards for internal and enterprise-level stakeholders - Coordinate with company-wide project management efforts to ensure compliance with standards - Support issue tracking, risk management, documentation, and clear team communication - Learn and apply Agile practices and project management methodologies under mentorship QUALIFICATIONS - Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or related field - Additional qualification and/or experience in business administration, budgeting, or financial reporting preferred - 1–4 years of experience in project coordination or junior project management roles - Familiarity with Jira, BigPicture, and Confluence, or a strong willingness to learn - Excellent organization and time management skills - Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities - Strong interest in technology development and eagerness to grow in a technical environment PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience in a high-tech R&D or engineering organization - Experience in a fast-paced R&D or startup setting - Exposure to Agile or Scrum methodologies - Project management certification or coursework (e.g., PMP, IPMA, Prince2, Agile, CAPM, Scrum Master) - Understanding of hardware development and complex system integration - Familiarity with laser systems, optics, or hardware development environments 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.