People Operations Specialist (f/m/d)

About Focused Energy

Focused Energy is the leading laser-driven fusion company, pursuing the most promising path to clean, limitless fusion power. With locations in Darmstadt, Germany, and the San Francisco Bay Area, we bring together top scientific and engineering minds to unlock commercially viable fusion energy using proven technologies. We are driving the next chapter of economic growth and scientific innovation through the widespread adoption of clean, abundant fusion energy.

Role Overview

We’re seeking a People Operations Partner to join our People team and help scale HR operations and programs across our growing international organization. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in dynamic, high-growth environments and is excited to build and refine processes that support a diverse, distributed, and technically exceptional team.

You’ll be a trusted partner to managers and employees, providing hands-on support across core HR areas including employee relations, performance enablement, HR operations, compliance, onboarding/off-boarding, and people programs. You’ll play a key role in shaping a healthy, high-performing workplace as we scale.

We're building something extraordinary – a place where innovation meets empathy, and where People Operations isn't just a department, but the heartbeat of our organization.

What You'll Do:

• Be the backbone of our People operations — maintain and update employee records in our HRIS with accuracy and care, making sure we’re always GDPR-compliant.

• Create a memorable first day for new hires by preparing onboarding documents, arranging equipment and access, and adding those thoughtful touches like welcome packs.

• Bring structure to the chaos — draft and send contracts, amendments, and reference letters using our templates, ensuring every detail is right.

• Keep our payroll smooth and stress-free by collecting and verifying monthly inputs (absences, overtime, benefits) and working closely with our payroll providers.

• Stay on top of time-off tracking — monitor vacation, sick leave, and other absences, and follow up on any missing paperwork.

• Support our benefits programs, including our popular mobility budget, so employees get the most out of what we offer.

• Keep our records impeccable — file and store all personnel documents digitally and physically, following retention rules.

• Add energy to our culture by helping organize HR events, workshops, and training sessions that bring the team together.

• Be the go-to helper for day-to-day HR admin needs, and point people in the right direction for more complex questions.

• Help make our workplace experience great, by supporting initiatives that create a positive, engaging, and well-organized environment for everyone.

Who You Are:

• Early experience in HR administration or a related field — experience in a startup or fast-paced environment is a plus.

• Detail-obsessed and super organized, with a knack for keeping everything on track.

• Empathetic and people-focused — you genuinely enjoy helping others and making their work life better.

• Curious and ambitious — eager to learn, grow, and shape a career in HR.

• Adaptable and unflappable — you can roll with change, juggle multiple priorities, and still keep your sense of humor.

• Collaborative spirit — you’re comfortable working independently but love being part of a team.

• Clear communicator with the confidence to handle queries professionally in both German and English.

• Comfortable with MS Office or Google Workspace, and ideally some experience with an HRIS.

• GDPR knowledge is a plus, but we’re happy to teach you if you bring the right mindset.

What we offer:

• 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.

• Mobility with NAVIT: We partner with NAVIT to support your flexible commuting needs—whether it’s a public transportation ticket, taxi rides or car-sharing you choose what fits your lifestyle.

• Fitness with Wellhub: We care about your health. Get access to a wide range of gyms, fitness studios and wellness services across Europe through our partnership with Wellhub.

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.