Manufacturing Engineer - First Shift

Commonwealth Fusion Systems LLC; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Holidays

Flexible vacation

Sick days

Parental leave

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Professional growth

Team-building

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems LLC is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to drive the transition of new products from development to full-scale production. You will partner with design, QA, supply chain, and production to ensure robust manufacturing introductions.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in manufacturing engineering, strong problem-solving, and experience with Lean/Six Sigma. This role is on-site and includes equity, benefits, and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years in manufacturing engineering with R&D to manufacturing transition.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with product design and development teams to define specifications and manufacturing challenges.
• Develop, implement, and qualify manufacturing processes for new products to meet quality, cost, and production targets.
• Design and optimize production layouts, tooling, and fixtures.
• Conduct DFMA analyses to improve product design.
• Create and maintain process documentation and SOPs.
• Coordinate with supply chain to source components and ensure timely delivery and quality.
• Monitor manufacturing performance metrics and drive continuous improvement.
• Provide hands-on training to production staff on processes and equipment.
• Troubleshoot production and quality issues and coordinate resolutions.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality standards.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Equivalent work experience

Tools

CAD software

Job description

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems:

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy.

Combining decades of research, top talent, and new technologies, we’re designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And we're working with policymakers, suppliers, and many others to build the energy industry of the future.

We’re in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we’ve raised $4 billion of capital, making us the largest and leading fusion company in the world.

Now we’re looking for more thinkers, doers, builders, and makers to join us. People who’ll bring new perspectives, solve tough problems, and thrive as part of a team.

If that’s you and this role fits, we want to hear from you.

Join the power movement as a Manufacturing Engineer

As a Manufacturing Engineer at CFS, you will play a crucial role in transitioning new products from development to full-scale production. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including product design, quality assurance, supply chain, and production, to ensure the introduction of new products to manufacturing. The ideal candidate has a strong engineering background, excellent problem-solving skills, and experience with moving products from R&D into manufacturing.

What you'll do:

• Collaborate with product design and development teams to develop and understand product specifications, requirements, and manufacturing challenges
• Develop, implement, and qualify manufacturing processes for new products, ensuring they meet quality, cost, and production rate targets
• Design and optimize production layouts, tooling, and fixtures to support efficient manufacturing
• Conduct Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) analysis to improve product design
• Create and maintain process documentation, including work instructions, process flow diagrams, pFMEA’s, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Coordinate with the supply chain and planning teams to source components and materials, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with quality standards
• Develop, monitor and analyze manufacturing performance metrics to identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities
• Provide hands‑on training and support to production personnel on work instructions, processes, equipment, and best practices
• Troubleshoot and resolve production and quality issues, collaborating with relevant teams to ensure timely resolution
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality standards

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent work experience
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with experience transitioning products from R&D to manufacturing
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a detail‑oriented approach
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities

Bonus points for:

• Experience with magnets, thermo‑mechanical assemblies, machining, welding, and/or vacuum systems
• Experience with the application of Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies
• Experience writing and developing equipment specifications and maintenance plan
• Experience with CAD software
• Proficiency in work instruction writing, material planning, process mapping, and capacity modeling
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings, incl. GD&T and tolerance stack‑ups
• High self‑motivation and drive to execute quickly with excellent troubleshooting/ problem‑solving skills

Must‑have requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally
• Perform activities such as typing, standing, stooping, and sitting, for extended periods of time
• Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage, and cryogenics
• Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on‑call

$90,000 - $145,000 a year

Salary range for this full‑time position + equity + benefits. The actual salary will depend on level, location, qualifications, and experience. The range displayed on each job posting reflects new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Benefits include:

• Competitive compensation with equity
• 13 Company‑wide Holidays
• Flexible vacation days
• 10 sick days
• Generous parental leave policy
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Professional growth opportunities
• Team‑building activities

#LI-Onsite

At CFS, we excel in fast‑paced environments, driven by our values of integrity, execution, impact, and self‑critique. As we grow, we’re eager to bring on mission‑driven folks who offer diverse perspectives and fresh ways to tackle challenges.

We value diversity deeply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law.

This role requires compliance with U.S. laws concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information (collectively, “Export Control Laws”). Any offer of employment will be contingent on the need for compliance with such Export Control Laws.