Mechanical Engineer

Realta Fusion Inc; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Health, dental, vision

401(k)

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Realta Fusion Inc. in Madison, WI seeks a Mechanical Engineer to help design and build fusion‑energy technologies. You will produce 3D models, provide structural and thermal analyses, and lead mechanical subsystems for a reactor-scale tandem mirror platform.

You will collaborate with engineering and science teams, support fabrication and testing, and contribute to safety standards and a culture of innovation in a fast‑growing startup environment.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related field with 3–5 years experience.
• Proficient in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, NX, Creo) and PDM familiarity.
• Known ability to perform statics, heat transfer, stress and deflection analyses.
• Experience reading/creating mechanical drawings and P&IDs.
• Hands-on machine shop, fabrication, and assembly experience.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for cross‑team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop 3D models and drawings for beamlines, fusion devices, and support structures for ultra-high vacuum environments.
• Design primary and secondary mechanical fusion components and subsystems.
• Lead mechanical design analyses including stress, thermal, and fatigue (FEA).
• Plan lifting/rigging of heavy components and coordinate with vendors for fabrication.
• Fabricate, assemble, test, and validate components with internal and external resources.
• Provide hands-on support in prototype and lab systems operation and assembly.
• Synthesize and present technical work to project teams and leadership.
• Help establish and implement safety standards across R&D and Engineering.
• Foster a positive, inclusive culture aligned with mission and sustainability goals.

Skills

3D CAD design

Collaboration

Communication

Hands-on

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

BS in Nuclear Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

Creo

ANSYS

PDM

Job description

Help design and build the technologies that will bring fusion energy from the laboratory to the world.

The Mechanical Engineer will work with Realta’s engineering and scientific teams to provide critical engineering and design input on Realta’s technology development roadmap. The Mechanical Engineer will be a primary contributor to Hammir-DD, Realta’s reactor-scale tandem magnetic mirror and development platform ahead of Realta's first-of-a-kind fusion pilot plant.

Realta Fusion is a rapidly growing start‑up developing compact magnetic mirror fusion energy systems to address the biggest challenge of our time –tackling global climate change while ensuring a sufficient energy supply for at least ten billion people on (and off) earth. We are building a team with diverse talents dedicated to making fusion energy a real solution to humanity’s most pressing problem.

Responsibilities

• Develop 3D models and technical drawings for beamline and fusion device elements, support structures, and components to be operated in ultra‑high vacuum environments.
• Contribute to the design and development of primary and secondary mechanical fusion components and subsystems.
• Participate in and lead efforts involving general mechanical‑system design, mechanical stress analysis, thermal analysis, and fatigue analysis.
• Assist in the design and planning of the lifting/rigging of heavy components which will involve material handling equipment and techniques.
• Work with vendors and internal resources to fabricate, assemble, test, and validate components and systems.
• Supply hands‑on support in fabrication and assembly of prototype and laboratory systems, up to and including operating machine shop equipment.
• Communication: Synthesize and present technical work internally and externally, communicate daily with project teams and leadership to support programmatic needs.
• Safety: Contribute to the establishment of company safety standards and lead implementation of these standards within R&D and Engineering team.
• Culture and Values: Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that aligns with the company's mission, values, and sustainability goals, promoting innovation, collaboration, and employee engagement.

Required Qualifications

1. Education: BS in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field, plus 3-5 years’ work experience
2. Highly proficient and interested in 3D CAD design with current CAD software tools (SolidWorks, NX, Creo, etc.) and familiar with PDM
3. Demonstrated ability to perform engineering analysis including statics, heat transfer, stress, and deflection by hand and in FEA software such as the ANSYS suite of products
4. Demonstrated ability to create and read mechanical drawings and P&IDs.
5. Hands‑on experience with machine shop practices, mechanical assembly, and familiar with specifying techniques for fabricating complex parts such as welding, brazing, EDM, waterjet, and milling
6. Collaboration: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written, verbal, public presentation) to collaborate effectively with colleagues, external partners, and stakeholders

Applicants who do not meet the entire job specification are encouraged to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

What we are working on is hard… and hugely important. Realta Fusion is assembling a talented team bound together by a passion to solve humanity’s biggest challenge with first‑of‑a‑kind technology. Additionally, Realta offers:

• Competitive compensation package, including equity stock options
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)
• Flexible paid time off (PTO) to support work‑life balance
• Work and live in Madison, Wisconsin — one of America’s most livable and vibrant cities

We value diversity as a critical factor in innovation and believe a diverse team is necessary to solve the toughest problems. We aim to create an inclusive environment that unleashes the full creativity of our team members from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on merit and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.