Government Affairs Manager EU

Role Overview:

Focused Energy is propelling laser-driven fusion from breakthrough science to large-scale clean energy. As we accelerate this mission across Europe, we are expanding our political and regulatory presence.

As the Government Affairs Manager (EU), you will lead our engagement with EU institutions, member-state partners, regulators, and key strategic initiatives. You will shape the political landscape to usher in Europe’s first commercial fusion power plants—positioning Focused Energy as a key industry leader along the way.

You will be central to our European strategy: proactively identifying opportunities, navigating complex decision-making environments, and building durable alliances in Brussels and throughout Europe.

Key Responsibilities:

EU Political Strategy & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and execute Focused Energy’s EU government affairs strategy across Brussels, member states, and pan-European platforms.

• Manage senior-level relationships with the European Commission (DG ENER, DG RTD, DG GROW, DG COMP), European Parliament, Council working groups, EU agencies, and national EU-representations.

• Establish Focused Energy as a core industrial stakeholder in initiatives such as the EU Fusion Strategy, IPCEI Innovative Nuclear Technologies, Green Deal Industrial Plan, Net Zero Industry Act, and related programs.

Policy Analysis & Regulatory Influence

• Analyse emerging EU regulations, funding mechanisms, PPP models, and state-aid frameworks relevant to fusion, photonics, energy, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.

• Shape policy proposals that enable the commercialization of fusion—from supply-chain expansion to licensing, safety standards, public-private partnerships, and access to capital.

• Lead Focused Energy’s inputs to EU consultations, legislative processes, and industrial alliances.

Representation & Advocacy

• Represent Focused Energy across European platforms, industry associations, and expert groups (e.g., FIA Europe Committee, Fusion Europe, EU Fusion Strategy Working Groups).

• Craft and deliver compelling briefings, speeches, and stakeholder communications for senior leadership—at EU Parliament events, Commission roundtables, and high-level summits.

• Coordinate industry efforts with other European fusion startups, photonics suppliers, and industrial partners.

EU Programs, Funding & PPP Development

• Identify and secure European funding opportunities (e.g., Horizon Europe, EIC, EIB/KfW platforms, IPCEI NT, structural funds).

• Collaborate with internal teams to prepare project applications, policy dossiers, impact assessments, and consortium agreements.

• Drive milestone-based PPP structures with EU bodies and member states to accelerate the deployment of laser fusion in Europe.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with Communications, Strategy, Engineering, Finance, and the Laser Fusion Campus Biblis leadership team to align political and operational priorities.

• Provide ongoing political risk assessments to inform executive decision-making.

• Support internal governance, messaging frameworks, and strategic planning.

Who You Are:

• Significant experience in EU government relations, public affairs, political strategy, or regulatory policy—ideally within energy, technology, industry, or security sectors.

• Deep understanding of Brussels’ decision-making processes, with a proven ability to proactively influence outcomes.

• Thrive in dynamic settings, bringing structure while maintaining flexibility.

• Eager to take ownership, drive initiatives forward, and make visible impact.

• Excellent at building trust across senior officials, industry leaders, and diverse stakeholders.

• Motivated by Europe’s industrial renewal and passionate about making fusion energy central to this vision.

• Fluent English required; knowledge of German or French is a strong advantage.

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.