Founding Mechanical Engineer

Zephyr Fusion; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Zephyr Fusion in Vista, CA, seeks an experienced mechanical engineer to own the full lifecycle of high-performance hardware for space applications, from architecture through integration and launch.

You will design, build, test, and qualify mechanical systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams and helping to establish engineering processes for our spacecraft hardware program.

Qualifications

• Expertise in mechanical design and engineering.
• 8+ years in fast-moving, product-driven teams.
• Experience with CAD and FEA software.
• Knowledge of GD&T and thermodynamics.
• Hands-on hardware design, build and test experience.
• Ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical structures and mechanisms for space operations.
• Take hardware from concept through qualification to on-orbit use.
• Work with cross-functional teams to solve multi-domain problems.
• Manage CAD models, drawings, release packages and BOMs.
• Drive trade-offs among performance, manufacturability, schedule and cost.
• Establish processes and standards for mechanical engineering.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Mechanical Engineering

CAD

FEA

GD&T

Thermodynamics

Tools

CAD Software

FEA Software

Job description

Company Description

Zephyr Fusion (YC F25) is pioneering the development of compact megawatt-class fusion reactors designed specifically for space. By leveraging high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets and decreasing space launch costs, Zephyr Fusion harnesses the unique advantages of the space environment to create novel solutions for high-power applications. Zephyr Fusion aims to enable the industrialization of the space economy by building spacecraft power systems with orders of magnitude higher power densities vs. conventional satellite power systems.

Zephyr Fusion (YC F25) is pioneering the development of compact megawatt-class fusion reactors designed specifically for space. By leveraging high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets and decreasing space launch costs, Zephyr Fusion harnesses the unique advantages of the space environment to create novel solutions for high-power applications. Zephyr Fusion aims to enable the industrialization of the space economy by building spacecraft power systems with orders of magnitude higher power densities vs. conventional satellite power systems.

Role Description

We are seeking a driven and innovative mechanical engineer to own the full lifecycle of high performance hardware systems, from architecture through to integration and launch. This role is a unique opportunity to lay the foundations of the mechanical engineering team here at Zephyr Fusion with a focus on designing and developing mechanical systems for advanced space applications. You will play a pivotal role in bringing Zephyr Fusion's groundbreaking space technologies to life and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to meet innovative engineering goals.

This is a full-time, on-site role located in Vista, CA

Due to ITAR and export control restrictions candidates must be US persons.

Responsibilities Include

• You will own the success of the mechanical structures and mechanisms that will be key to our operations in space
• Take hardware and mechanisms from conceptual design through qualification to on-orbit operations
• You will work closely with cross-functional teams to solve hard multi-domain problems while driving designs toward real hardware
• Own CAD models, drawings, release packages, and bill of materials for prototype and flight hardware
• Drive design trades across performance, manufacturability, schedule, and cost
• Establish effective processes and standards for mechanical engineering at Zephyr Fusion

Qualifications

• Expertise in Mechanical Design and Mechanical Engineering
• 8 or more years of relevant experience. We highly value time spent in fast-moving, execution-focused teams and product-driven cultures
• Experience with CAD or FEA software packages
• Experience with the practical application of GD&T
• Demonstrated proficiency in the principles of mechanical design, materials, and thermodynamics
• Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test hardware from a blank canvas, including troubleshooting and iterating designs
• Ability to collaborate across teams in fast-paced, hands-on engineering projects

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace, fusion, or advanced energy technology
• Design of magnetic systems and/or High Temperature Superconductors
• Experience working on projects with extreme thermal challenges
• Familiarity with space screening and qualification processes