Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum

Commonwealth Fusion Systems; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Equity and competitive compensation

Generous holidays and time off

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems LLC is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead end-to-end design, integration and validation of advanced R&D equipment. You will drive system architecture, define requirements, and implement best practices to ensure high-performance hardware in vacuum environments.

The role emphasizes mentoring, cross-functional collaboration with scientists and engineers, and rapid execution from concept through assembly, testing, and deployment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years designing and implementing complex R&D systems or semiconductor equipment.

Responsibilities

• Own the design, integration, and validation of R&D equipment.
• Establish system-level requirements and innovative design concepts.
• Implement engineering workflows and best practices using semiconductor standards.
• Lead design reviews focusing on manufacturability and best practices.

Skills

System design

Requirements definition

DFx design

Design reviews

Cross-functional teamwork

3D modeling

FEA / thermal analysis

Mentoring

Project leadership

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 Senior Mechanical Engineer

We’re looking for a Senior 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.

What you'll do:

• Lead System Design: Own the design, integration, and validation of R&D 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
• Get Things Done: Act with speed to drive projects from concept through assembly, testing, and implementation

What we’re looking for:

• Education: Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent industrial experience)
• Experience: 7+ years of experience in the design and implementation of complex R&D systems or semiconductor manufacturing equipment
• Thermal & Structural Expertise: Practical experience managing vacuum architecture (pumps, gauges, leak detection) and thermal management systems (chillers, heat exchangers)
• 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

Bonus points for:

• 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

Must-have requirements:

• 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

$146,000 - $210,000 a year

Salary range for this full-time position + equity + benefits

The actual salary will depend on level, location, qualifications, and experience. The range displayed on each job posting reflects new hire salaries for the position across all US locations.

Benefits include:

• Competitive compensation with equity
• 13 Company-wide Holidays
• Flexible vacation days
• 10 sick days
• Generous parental leave policy
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Professional growth opportunities
• Team-building activities

#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"). Any offer of employment will be contingent on the need for compliance with such Export Control Laws.