Senior Mechanical Engineer - Fusion Engine Design and Analysis

Fusion Energy Base; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision plans

Company-paid holidays

Matching 401k

Job summary

A leading fusion energy company in Livermore is seeking a Mechanical Engineer specializing in Thermal & Structural Analysis. The role involves leading design and analysis to ensure critical components withstand extreme conditions. Candidates should have a degree in relevant engineering disciplines and over 7 years of experience in mechanical design, particularly in industries like nuclear and aerospace. Competitive salary of $125,000 - $225,000 plus comprehensive benefits provided.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in mechanical design and analysis in relevant industries.
• Expert-level skills in mechanical design and CAD.
• Experience with high-temperature and high heat flux conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis and support mechanical design of fusion engine components.
• Conduct thermal and structural analyses for component optimization.
• Mentor other engineers and analysts in project tasks.

Skills

Mechanical design

Finite element analysis

Thermal analysis

Computer-aided design (CAD)

Numerical material models

Experience with alloys and metals

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

Overview

Inertia Enterprises is developing the technologies to build the world’s first fusion energy power plant. At our 48,000 sq.ft. facility in Livermore, CA, we are seeking a Mechanical Engineer - Thermal & Structural Analysis to lead analysis and support the mechanical design of critical components and structures of the Inertia integrated power plant.

This role will lead the design and analysis of components and structures that must survive the harshest conditions known to engineering— intense x-ray and neutron flux, high temperatures, extreme thermal gradients, high pressures, high power laser beams, among others, including the first wall and breeding blanket structures.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop the mechanical design and 3D modeling of the fusion engine key systems, structures and components: chamber, first wall, blanket, vacuum chamber, piping.

• Lead mechanical design and thermal-structural analysis of key components such as the engine first wall and tritium breeding blanket, in steady-state and transient conditions. Optimize structures for heat removal, thermo-mechanical longevity, manufacturability.

• Evaluate the effects of cyclic heat flux, creep loading, fatigue loading on chamber components using relevant models, codes and standards to predict the operational lifespan of the fusion core. Account for effects of irradiation (displacement per atom and helium) in thermal mechanical analyses.

• Conducts thermal and structural analyses and parametric studies to validate and optimize materials choices and mechanical designs, capturing insights and results in technical documentation and reports.

• Actively participates in design reviews and risk matrix development, helping to identify technical gaps, track open action items, and incorporate feedback from various stakeholders into the design.

• Support and mentor other mechanical engineers, designers, and analysts working on other company priorities such as high power laser design, fusion target design.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, Nuclear, Structural or a related engineering discipline.

• 7+ years of experience in mechanical design and analysis of structural materials in chemical, power generation, oil & gas, nuclear, defense, or aerospace industries.Expert-level skills in mechanical design and computer-aided design (CAD).

• Expertise in finite element analysis using codes such as ANSYS or Abaqus applied for stress and thermal analysis.

• Knowledge of FEA and other spatial/time discretization techniques for partial differential equation (PDE) systems.

• Familiarity with application of numerical material models to metallic systems, structures and components.

• Experience with alloys and metals, high temperatures, high heat fluxes, and/or irradiation effects on materials.

Preferred

• Experience with power plant design.

• Experience in/knowledge of Computational Materials Science or Mechanics preferred.

• Experience developing scientific codes and softwares using C++, Fortran, python or similar programming language.

• Experience with fusion or nuclear technologies.

• Working knowledge of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes, with specific interest in high-temperature service rules.

Salary & Benefits

• The base salary range for this role is $125,000 - $225,000; The pay range provided is an estimated base range for this role. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and education.

• We offer market-competitive compensation and an excellent benefits program, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, company-paid holidays, matching 401k, and more!

About Inertia

Inertia is taking the most direct, scientifically-proven path to commercializing fusion, leveraging the only successful achievement of fusion ignition, using a process that was pioneered at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). With groundbreaking innovation, transformative technology, and multi-year investment, Inertia is committed to commercializing fusion energy in the next decade.