Mechanical Design Engineer

Fusion Energy Base; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Fusion Energy Base is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to design and develop critical mechanical components for advanced fusion energy systems in San Leandro, California. The role calls for strong technical skills and a proactive mindset to tackle challenges in the fusion energy field.

Qualified candidates will possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in an engineering discipline and have over 5 years of mechanical design experience, specifically in vacuum seals. You will engage in multidisciplinary collaboration and mentor junior engineers while documenting processes and findings throughout.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of mechanical design experience with a focus on vacuum seals.
• Strong proficiency in CAD and engineering analysis tools.
• Proven expertise in tolerance analysis and mechanical integration.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze large, high-performance vacuum seals.
• Lead experimental design and testing across teams and partners.
• Conduct research into novel sealing techniques.

Skills

Mechanical design experience

Proficiency in CAD

Tolerance analysis

FMEA expertise

Mechanical integration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

FEM

Job description

Why This Role Matters As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will help with the design, development, and integration and validation of mechanical components and systems integral to our advanced fusion energy systems. This role requires a top-tier combination of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a proactive mindset to meet the exciting challenges in the field of fusion energy.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze large, high-performance vacuum seals for water-to-air, air-to-high-vacuum, and water-to-high-vacuum transitions
• Lead experimental design and testing in collaboration with internal teams, external vendors, and academic partners
• Conduct research into novel sealing techniques; define, execute, and evaluate test campaigns
• Perform FMEA and tolerance stack-up analyses to ensure seal reliability and system safety
• Design test assemblies and risk-reduction
• Review and present technical work across multidisciplinary teams; contribute to system-level integration discussions
• Provide subject-matter expertise in sealing strategies and help guide the integration of systems in the target area
• Document sealing processes, validation data, and lessons learned
• Mentor and support junior engineers on design and integration challenges

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a related engineering field, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience with a focus on vacuum seals and systems, including rough, high, and ultra-high vacuum environments
• Strong proficiency in CAD, FEM, and engineering analysis tools
• Proven expertise in tolerance analysis, FMEA, seal design, and mechanical integration