Head of Controls (f/m/x)

What this role is

• A manager and systems integrator, not a deep-tech individual contributor.
• Single point of accountability for controls, end to end.
• Owner of system design across all subsystems: laser, vacuum, beam transport, telemetry, and computer/control systems brought into one coherent whole.
• A visionary horizon: designs controls not only for today's experimental facility but for the future power plant, thinking years ahead on what becomes technically possible.

What you will own

• Architecture and integration of the central control system (PLT) across all subsystems.
• Facility-level control system integration for an experimental facility (not factory or serial production).
• Femtosecond-level synchronization with the high-power laser.
• Vacuum integration and beam transport.
• Telemetry plus control integration into the central system.
• The core challenge: integration of physical systems into computer and control systems.
• Building, structuring, and leading the controls team. Hire, mentor, and genuinely support the people in it.
• The long-term controls vision, scaling from today's experimental setup toward a future power plant.

What you bring

• Proven leadership of technical teams in a scientific or experimental facility, not serial/factory production.
• Strong systems design and integration background. You connect complex subsystems into a working whole.
• Solid understanding of laser technology, ideally ultra-short pulse laser and laser architecture.
• Experience working with software teams and a working understanding of software development.
• Excellent stakeholder and project management. You are a manager and communicator first.
• Visionary thinking: you design for what becomes technically possible years ahead.

Nice to have

• Track record building a controls function or team from the ground up.

What we offer

Our mission is motivation enough for many. But we also support our team with benefits that foster wellbeing and growth:

• Public transport reimbursement
• EGYM Wellpass fitness club access
• Complimentary health insurance
• Professional development support
• Healthy office snacks