Principal Vacuum Systems Engineer – R&D Equipment

Socket.dev; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead end-to-end design, integration and implementation of advanced thermal vacuum equipment and R&D machinery. You will mentor teams, drive projects from concept to assembly and collaborate across scientists and engineers to ensure high-performance hardware.

The role requires a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, 15+ years of experience in complex R&D or semiconductor equipment, and strong proficiency in 3D modeling and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 15+ years of design and implementation experience in complex R&D systems or semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
• Thermal management in vacuum environments.
• Deep understanding of vacuum architecture, outgassing, seals and pump-down optimization.
• Strong 3D modeling and FEA/thermal simulation skills (SolidWorks or NX, COMSOL/ANSYS).
• Hands-on capability bridging design to shop floor (machining, prototyping, troubleshooting).
• Experience selecting and qualifying global vendors for subsystems.
• Ability to lead in direct and matrixed organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, integration, and validation of advanced R&D processing equipment.
• Define system-level requirements and innovative concepts linking mechanical precision to product quality.
• Standardize engineering workflows and best practices using semiconductor standards.
• Lead design reviews focusing on manufacturability and best practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including scientists, vacuum specialists, and electrical engineers.
• Report milestones to stakeholders and ensure on-time, in-spec delivery.
• Mentor engineering staff on delivery, discipline and professional growth.
• Drive projects from concept through assembly, testing, and implementation.

Skills

15+ years exp

Mechanical design

Thermal-structural design

Vacuum systems

SolidWorks/NX

FEA Thermal

Hands-on prototyping

Vendor mgmt

Leadership

DFx

Mentoring

Education

Master’s in Mechanical Eng

Equivalent industrial exp

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

COMSOL

ANSYS

Job description

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead end-to-end design, integration and implementation of advanced thermal vacuum equipment and R&D machinery. You will mentor teams, drive projects from concept to assembly and collaborate across scientists and engineers to ensure high-performance hardware.

The role requires a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, 15+ years of experience in complex R&D or semiconductor equipment, and strong proficiency in 3D modeling and