Sr. Design Engineer

Physics World; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

TAE Technologies in Southern California seeks a Senior Design Engineer to lead mechanical system design for R&D and commercial ventures. You will create CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and documentation, coordinating with vendors for on-site fabrication.

The role focuses on high vacuum, plasma/accelerator design, cryogenics, and additive manufacturing; requires 12+ years of hands-on experience and collaboration across engineering, physics, quality, and procurement groups.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of hands-on mechanical design experience.
• Experience designing neutral beams or particle accelerators.
• Familiarity with high voltage design principles.
• Proven ability to manage a design lifecycle from concept to installation.
• Expertise in GD&T (ASME Y14.5M).
• Proficient with SolidWorks, Catia or other 3D CAD software.
• Experience with PDM/PLM design change management tools.

Responsibilities

• Apply technical expertise to design and develop complex mechanical systems.
• Create 2D/3D CAD models, layout drawings, and detailed design documentation.
• Collaborate with engineering, physics, and project management teams.
• Produce and maintain drawings, BOMs and documentation.
• Coordinate with outside vendors to fabricate components.
• Participate in assembly, installation and commissioning activities.
• Foster cross‑disciplinary communication with engineering, physics, quality, and procurement.

Skills

Experience with 12+ years

Neutral beams / particle accelerators

High voltage design principles

Lifecycle design management

Mechanical assemblies design

ASME Y14.5M GD&T

3D CAD proficiency (SolidWorks/Catia)

Education

B.S. in Engineering or related field

Master’s preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

Catia

PDM/PLM design tools

Job description

Do Epic Science

TAE is the world’s first private fusion energy company, founded in 1998 to commercialize the cleanest, safest, most affordable, and sustainable form of carbon‑free power. We are applying science and engineering to design transformational technologies. Whether it’s harnessing fusion through the science of stars, making exponential leaps in power efficiency, or innovating medical care with a novel cancer treatment, we’re turning the promise of science into reality.

Job Details

We’re looking for candidates who are passionate about realizing our mission: a future where all people have affordable access to reliable, abundant, and environmentally friendly fusion‑generated electricity.

About The Role

The Senior Design Engineer will lead the design and development of mechanical systems supporting TAE’s R&D and commercial ventures. Projects will range from simple machined components to large structural weldments and advanced electro‑mechanical assemblies. The role is ideal for creative, hands‑on, and technology‑savvy candidates with specialized expertise in areas such as high vacuum systems, plasma/accelerator design, high voltage design, cryogenics, refractory materials, and additive manufacturing. Experience from national labs, universities, or large‑scale R&D facilities is a plus.

The role requires 100% onsite presence to collaborate with the Design Team.

• Apply technical expertise to design and develop complex mechanical systems and technologies.
• Create 2D/3D CAD models, layout drawings, and detailed design documentation using SolidWorks.
• Resolve design challenges through collaboration with engineering, physics, and project management teams.
• Produce and maintain detailed drawings, bills of materials, and technical documentation.
• Coordinate with outside vendors to fabricate components and ensure design adherence, including shop visits as necessary.
• Generate conceptual CAD models from sketches and undefined project requirements.
• Participate in assembly, installation, and commissioning activities as needed.
• Foster cross‑disciplinary communication with engineering, physics, quality, and procurement groups.

About You

• 12+ years of hands‑on mechanical design experience with increasing technical complexity.
• Experience designing neutral beams or particle accelerators.
• Familiarity with high voltage design principles.
• Proven ability to manage a design through the entire lifecycle from concept to installation.
• Expertise in mechanical assemblies, fasteners, and manufacturing design considerations.
• Familiarity with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (ASME Y14.5M).
• Proficient with SolidWorks, Catia, or other 3D CAD software (1,000+ hours). Experience with PDM/PLM design change management tools is a plus.
• Strong working knowledge of engineering materials and fabrication methods.

Education

• B.S. in Engineering or related technical field (Master’s preferred).

The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements depending on the position offered. The compensation range for these roles is $80,000-$150,000.

About Us

We are a diverse team of over 500 engineers, scientists, professionals, Maxwell Prize winners, and big thinkers from more than 40 countries with a track record of delivering on the innovative ways science can lead humanity into a brighter era. We are not afraid to envision a future where fusion and science can transform our world.

What You’ll Get With Us

• Generous benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (K) with company match, paid vacation + sick time, companywide December holiday, wellness program, parental leave
• Payment rewards: For referring talent, novel research, and patents
• A collaborative environment: An organization where talents and interests can plug in to different groups throughout the organization
• Potential for equity participation
• HQ in Southern California
• Employee events on and off‑site
• A commitment to upholding and growing an inclusive organization

Learn more

tae.com

Our podcast Good Clean Energy

Instagram

LinkedIn

TAE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

We ensure all individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact [e-mail] to request accommodations or request more information.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.