People Operations Specialist (f/m/d)

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.

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.

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  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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 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.