Senior Vacuum Systems Engineer - Fusion (UHV, Equity Options)

AMERICAN VACUUM SOCIETY INC; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity stock options

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Realta Fusion in Madison, Wisconsin, seeks a Staff Mechanical Engineer, Vacuum Systems to lead design and execution of ultra-high vacuum systems for our reactor-scale fusion platform. You will mentor junior engineers and collaborate with physics, engineering, and facilities teams to advance the development roadmap.

The role emphasizes 3D CAD design, pressure vessel analysis, and advanced vacuum technologies, with responsibilities spanning safety, quality, and program success.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field and 8+ years of experience.
• Proficient in 3D CAD with SolidWorks, NX, Creo; familiar with PDM.
• Strong understanding of pressure vessel design, heat transfer, and structural analysis.
• Deep expertise in vacuum pump technologies and large vacuum chamber bakeout techniques.
• Proficient in vacuum conductance modelling and pump-down optimization.
• Experience supervising small technical teams and interfacing with researchers, engineers, and technicians.
• Knowledge of ASME GD&T and P&ID standards.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for cross-disciplinary work.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of ultra-high vacuum systems for reactor-scale platforms.
• Design, model, and validate vacuum vessels, seals, bakeout, and diagnostics.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive complex mechanical initiatives.
• Conduct design reviews and generate technical documentation.
• Interface with facilities for cryoplant integration and gas-delivery systems.
• Collaborate across physics, engineering, and operations to meet program milestones.

Skills

3D CAD design

Pressure vessel design

FEA (ANSYS/COMSOL)

Vacuum pump technologies

Vacuum conductance modelling

Team leadership

GD&T & P&ID

Communication

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

Creo

Job description

Realta Fusion in Madison, Wisconsin, seeks a Staff Mechanical Engineer, Vacuum Systems to lead design and execution of ultra-high vacuum systems for our reactor-scale fusion platform. You will mentor junior engineers and collaborate with physics, engineering, and facilities teams to advance the development roadmap.

The role emphasizes 3D CAD design, pressure vessel analysis, and advanced vacuum technologies, with responsibilities spanning safety, quality, and program success.