Principal Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum

Cfsenergy; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems in Milpitas, CA is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead end-to-end design, integration, and implementation of advanced vacuum and thermal systems for R&D equipment. You will drive architecture, mentor engineers, and ensure high‑performance hardware meets strict standards.

The role demands 15+ years in complex R&D or semiconductor tooling, mastery of 3D modeling (SolidWorks/NX) and FEA tools, and a proven ability to translate concepts into reliable,

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 15+ years experience in complex R&D systems or semiconductor equipment.
• Thermal and structural design in vacuum environments.
• Knowledge of SEMI/ASME/ASTM codes.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, integration and validation of R&D processing equipment.
• Define system-level requirements and innovative concepts.
• Standardize engineering workflows using semiconductor standards.
• Lead design reviews emphasizing manufacturability (DFx).
• Collaborate with scientists, vacuum and electrical engineers.
• Drive projects from concept through assembly and testing.

Skills

System design

DFx focus

Cross-functional collab

Mentoring

Leadership

Project delivery

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

COMSOL

ANSYS

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 Principal Mechanical Engineer

We’re looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our R&D and equipment design team to help build the next generation equipment. You will be responsible for the end-to-end design, integration, and implementation of advanced thermal vacuum equipment and R&D machinery.

This role requires you to be a technical expert who can drive innovative architecture while maintaining the procedural discipline necessary for high-performance hardware. If you enjoy solving complex thermal-mechanical problems in vacuum environments and mentoring others in a collaborative, fast-paced setting, this is your opportunity to make an impact.

• Lead System Design: Drive the design, integration, and validation of advanced R&D processing equipment
• Define Requirements: Establish system-level requirements and innovative design concepts that directly correlate mechanical precision to product quality
• Standardize Best Practices: Implement and maintain engineering workflows, and best practices using semiconductor standards as your guide
• Lead Design Reviews: Conduct rigorous reviews for overall mechanical systems and sub-systems, emphasizing manufacturability (DFx) and best practices for mechanical design
• Collaborate & Interface: Generate and maintain critical interfaces with cross-functional teams, including scientists, vacuum specialists, and electrical engineers
• Project Accountability: Report on project milestones to stakeholders, ensuring delivery of on-time and in-spec outcomes
• Mentor Talent: Coach engineering staff on technical delivery, procedural discipline, and professional development
• Get Things Done: Act with speed to drive projects from concept through assembly, testing, and implementation
• Education: Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent industrial experience)
• Experience: 15+ years of experience in the design and implementation of complex R&D systems or semiconductor manufacturing equipment
• Thermal & Structural Expertise: Proven capability in high-temperature structural design and complex thermal management within vacuum environments
• Vacuum System Proficiency: Deep understanding of vacuum architecture, including material outgassing, seal integrity, and pump-down optimization
• Software Mastery: Expertise in 3D modeling (SolidWorks and/or NX) and FEA/Thermal simulation tools (COMSOL, ANSYS)
• Hands-on Capability: Ability to bridge the gap between design and the shop floor, including experience with manual/CNC machining, prototyping, and hardware troubleshooting
• Vendor Management: Experience selecting and qualifying global vendors for specialized components or custom sub-systems
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead effectively in both direct and matrixed organizational structures
• R2R Expertise: Experience designing or integrating roll-to-roll (R2R) systems for material processing
• Semiconductor Background: Prior success building first-of-kind or experimental tools for semiconductor R&D or thin-film deposition
• Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with SEMI, ASME, ASTM, and other industry-standard mechanical codes
• Motion Control: Experience designing precision motion and motor-controlled systems within challenging environments
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally
• Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, standing, sitting for extended periods of time
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
• Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics
• #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