Design Engineer

Physics World; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) matching

Paid vacation

Sick time

Holiday time off

Wellness program

Parental leave

Job summary

TAE Technologies seeks a Design Engineer to apply technical expertise in developing complex new technology using SolidWorks or Catia. This 100% onsite role collaborates with the Design Team to create detailed CAD models, drawings, and BOMs.

You will coordinate with multiple teams, lead design reviews, and ensure quality from concept through assembly. Required 2–4 years in design, strong 3D modeling, GD&T knowledge, and hands-on installation capability.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years in progressively relevant work experience in design positions.
• At least 2 years of experience in a mechanical design role using 3D modeling.
• Ability to generate detailed mechanical and electro‑mechanical design solutions and drawings using SolidWorks or Catia.
• Basic working knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5M).
• DFMA experience (design for manufacturing assembly).
• Hands-on work to install designed components on project.
• Experience with precision measuring instruments.
• Proficient in SolidWorks PDM.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of high vacuum vessel systems a plus.
• Attention to detail and high accuracy.
• Analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to work independently as part of a collaborative team.
• Take initiative and own duties; ask for help when needed.
• Safety policy compliance.

Responsibilities

• Complete complex 2D/3D CAD design assignments, modeling parts and assemblies.
• Coordinate with staff to design, layout, and detail components and systems.
• Lead design reviews to improve quality and functionality.
• Produce and maintain drawings, BOMs, and procurement docs; answer vendor questions.
• Perform QA on completed products; oversee installation of parts and assemblies.
• Handle multiple projects and remain adaptable.
• Collaborate with engineering, physics, project management and procurement groups.

Skills

SolidWorks

Catia

3D modeling

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance

DFMA

SolidWorks PDM

Microsoft Office

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PDM

Microsoft Office

Job description

Do Epic Science

TAE is the world’s first private fusion energy company, founded in 1998 to commercialize the cleanest, safest, most affordable, and sustainable form of carbon‑free power. We are applying science and engineering to design transformational technologies. Whether it's harnessing fusion through the science of stars, making exponential leaps in power efficiency, or innovating medical care with a novel cancer treatment: We're turning the promise of science into reality.

Job Details

Job Details
TAE is the world’s first private fusion energy company, founded in 1998 to commercialize the cleanest, safest, most affordable, and sustainable form of carbon‑free power. We are applying science and engineering to design transformational technologies. Whether it's harnessing fusion through the science of stars, making exponential leaps in power efficiency, or innovating medical care with a novel cancer treatment: We're turning the promise of science into reality.
We’re looking for candidates who are passionate about realizing our mission: A future where all people have affordable access to reliable, abundant, and environmentally friendly fusion‑generated electricity.

About The Role

The Design Engineer will apply technical expertise, commensurate with training and job experience, in the design and development of complex new technology using SolidWorks or Catia.

The role requires 100% onsite presence to collaborate with the Design Team.

• Complete a variety of complex 2 and 3D CAD design assignments, including modeling parts and assemblies and creating detail and layout drawings from verbal or written instructions, including sketches.
• Coordinate and consult with other staff to design, layout, or detail components and systems and resolve design and other problems.
• Host and actively participate in team design reviews to increase quality and functionality of all designs created by the team.
• Produce and maintain working drawings, detail drawings, bills of material, and documentation for procurement; answer vendor questions as needed.
• Perform Q&A on completed products.
• Test, inspect, assemble and install final parts and assemblies, as needed, while providing direction and assistance to technicians.
• Handle multiple projects while remaining flexible and adaptable
• Cooperate and communicate well with engineering, physics/science, project management and procurement groups.

About You

• 2-4 years in progressively relevant work experience in design positions.
• At least 2 years of experience in a mechanical design role using 3d modeling.
• Ability to generate detailed mechanical and electro‑mechanical design solutions and drawings for mechanical and electrical systems and products using SolidWorks or Catia.
• Basic working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerance (ASME Y14.5M).
• DFMA experience (design for manufacturing assembly).
• Must be capable of performing hands‑on work to install designed components on project.
• Experience with precision measuring instruments.
• Proficient in Solidworks PDM.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of high vacuum vessels systems a plus.
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to work independently as part of a collaborative team.
• Take initiative to carry out assigned duties with general direction; ask for and offer help when needed.
• Accept ownership for accomplishing new and different requests, exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Comply with all safety policies and procedures and work to proactively promote safe work environment.
• Experience in a large research facility preferred.
• Experience with large assemblies and machine shops.

Education

• Required: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent education and/or experience.
• Preferred: M.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

At TAE Technologies, we consider a wide range of factors when making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and job‑related knowledge, training; licenses and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements depending on the position offered (non‑Sr., Sr.,). The compensation range for these roles are $115,000 - $140,000.

About Us

We are a diverse team of over 500 engineers, scientists, professionals, Maxwell Prize winners, and big thinkers from more than 40 countries with a track record of delivering on the innovative ways science can lead humanity into a brighter era. We are not afraid to envision a future where fusion and science can transform our world.

What You’ll Get With Us

• Generous benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (K) with company match, paid vacation + sick time, companywide December holiday, wellness program, parental leave
• Payment rewards: For referring talent, novel research, and patents
• A collaborative environment: An organization where talents and interests can plug in to different groups throughout the organization
• Potential for equity participation
• HQ in Southern California
• Employee events on and off‑site
• A commitment to upholding and growing an inclusive organization

Learn more

tae.com

Our podcast Good Clean Energy

Instagram

LinkedIn

TAE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

We ensure all individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us [e-mail] to request accommodations or request more information.

Note to Agencies:

TAE prefers to hire directly and maintains an existing preferred supplier list. We do not accept speculative CVs or referrals from agencies. If speculative CVs are sent, no fee will be applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.