Mechanical Tooling Engineer

Fusion Energy Base; Knoxville (TN); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work policy

Stock options

Relocation allowance

Insurance plans

Retirement options

Voluntary benefits

Job summary

Fusion Energy Base in Knoxville, TN, is seeking a Mechanical Tooling Engineer to design and develop tooling solutions for fusion energy programs. This role emphasizes hands-on engineering with experience in mechanical design and tooling development.

The ideal candidate will develop mechanical tooling for extreme environments and support both design and manufacturing processes. The position offers benefits including stock options and a hybrid work policy.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design, manufacturing process development, or tooling engineering.
• Proven expertise in welding tooling or weld process development.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, precision tolerancing, and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and integration of mechanical tooling and fixtures.
• Design and qualify remote or automated systems for hazardous environments.
• Collaborate with suppliers to support fabrication and assembly.

Skills

Mechanical design

Manufacturing process development

Welding tooling

3D CAD tools proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

Job description

Mechanical Tooling Engineer

Location: Knoxville, TN
Salary: Highly Competitive Plus Benefits
Contract: Permanent, full‑time
Reporting to: VP Stellarator Maintenance & Inspection Services

About Type One Energy

Type One Energy Group is mission‑driven to provide sustainable, affordable fusion power to the world. Established in 2019 and venture‑backed in 2023, the company is led by a team of globally recognized fusion scientists with a strong track record of building state‑of‑the‑art stellarator fusion machines, together with veteran business leaders experienced in scaling companies and commercializing energy technologies.

Your role in the mission

Tooling Engineers play a pivotal role in the design, development, and implementation of complex mechanical systems and tooling solutions critical to our fusion energy programs. This role focuses on design and development of jigs, fixtures, rigging devices, machining/welding equipment and related tooling related to fabrication, assembly and eventually maintenance on components. Ultimately our work supports assembly, maintenance, repair and overhaul of high‑precision manufactured and assembled fusion components. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on engineer with demonstrated experience developing tooling. Experience with automation or remotely operated systems is a plus. The successful candidate will contribute to both early‑stage design and detailed manufacturing support, bringing practical, scalable solutions to complex engineering challenges in extreme environments.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and integration of mechanical tooling, fixtures, and tooling systems used for assembly, component handling, maintenance and inspection.
• Design and qualify remote or automated systems for operation in constrained, hazardous, or high‑radiological environments.
• Review, guide, and validate designs created by peers and external suppliers to ensure technical excellence and manufacturability.
• Support FMEA, DFMA, and risk assessments for critical hardware and assemblies.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to support fabrication, assembly, and qualification of mechanical systems.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate tool performance, quality execution, and automation repeatability.
• Author detailed engineering drawings, procedures, and specifications in compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Contribute to process development documentation, design reviews, and configuration control processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design, manufacturing process development, or tooling engineering.
• Proven expertise in welding tooling or weld process development (e.g., TIG, EB, laser, or friction stir welding).
• Tooling and system design for remote or automated operations (e.g., robotic arms, manipulators, or teleoperated systems).
• Integration of sensors, controls, or actuation systems into complex mechanical designs.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks, Siemens NX, or similar) and PLM/PDM systems.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, precision tolerancing, and manufacturing processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing equipment or processes for high‑radiological or nuclear environments, or for other extreme service conditions.
• Familiarity with automation, robotics, or mechatronic systems used in precision manufacturing.
• Knowledge of welding qualification standards (e.g., ASME, AWS, ISO) and experience working in a regulated engineering environment.
• Demonstrated success leading complex engineering projects from concept to production.

Benefits

• Hybrid work policy
• Stock options
• Relocation allowance
• Insurance plans
• Retirement options
• Many more great voluntary benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

Type One Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to remaining open to unique perspectives. Therefore, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment independent of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.