Sr. Design Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) with match

Paid vacation & sick time

Equity potential

HQ in Southern California

Job summary

TAE Technologies seeks a Senior Design Engineer to lead the design and development of mechanical systems for R&D and commercial ventures. You will craft complex assemblies, including high vacuum and cryogenic components, and drive integration with physics and project teams, on a 100% onsite basis.

Ideal candidates bring 12+ years of hands-on mechanical design, experience with accelerators or neutral beams, and strong CAD skills in SolidWorks or Catia. B.S.

Qualifications

• 12+ years hands-on design experience
• Experience with neutral beams or particle accelerators (preferred)
• Familiarity with ASME Y14.5M GD&T
• Proven lifecycle design from concept to install

Responsibilities

• Apply technical expertise to design and develop complex mechanical systems.
• Create 2D/3D CAD models, layouts, and drawings using SolidWorks/Catia.
• Resolve design challenges with engineering, physics, and project teams.
• Produce and maintain drawings, BOMs, and documentation.
• Coordinate with vendors to fabricate components and ensure design adherence.
• Generate conceptual CAD models from sketches and undefined requirements.
• Participate in assembly, installation, and commissioning activities.
• Foster cross-disciplinary communication across departments.

Skills

Mechanical design

Vacuum systems

High voltage design

CAD software

Fabrication knowledge

Education

B.S. in Engineering

Masters preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

Catia

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).

At TAE Technologies, we consider a wide range of factors when making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and job‑related knowledge, training; licenses and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements depending on the position offered (non‑Sr., Sr., Lead or Manager). The compensation range for these roles are $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 us at [e-mail] to request accommodations or request more information.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.