Staff Mechanical Engineer

Lever, Inc.; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

13 Company-wide Holidays

Flexible vacation days

Sick days

Parental leave policy

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Professional growth opportunities

Team-building activities

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems in Milpitas, CA is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our R&D and equipment design team, driving the design and implementation of advanced manufacturing and testing systems for thin-film deposition technology.

You will lead mechanical subsystems, mentor staff, perform design reviews, and ensure safe, high-performance equipment, collaborating with top scientists and engineers in a fast-paced environment. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience with 8+ years as staff mechanical design engineer or team lead in R&D systems and manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to conceive novel solutions for complex engineering systems.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of advanced R&D equipment for thin film processing and ownership of mechanical subsystems.
• Lead design reviews for key mechanical subsystems and generate interfaces with other engineering teams.
• Report progress to stakeholders and collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers.
• Mentor engineering staff for delivery of on-time and in-spec outcomes.
• Drive projects with speed and accountability.

Skills

3D modeling

SolidWorks

NX

FEA tools

Vendor selection

Leadership

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

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 of thin-film deposition technology. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for the design and implementation of advanced R&D equipment and complex machinery. This role requires strong technical expertise, procedural discipline, and the ability to collaborate across engineering and technology functions to ensure safe, reliable, and high-performance equipment. If you enjoy working on complex design problems, mentoring others, and solving problems in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, this is your opportunity to make an impact.

What you'll do:

• Lead the design and implementation of advanced R&D equipment for thin film processing, including ownership of key mechanical modules and sub-systems
• Lead design reviews for key mechanical subsystems
• Generate and maintain interfaces with other engineering subsystems
• Report on and be accountable for project progress to stakeholders
• Work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team of top scientists and engineers
• Mentor engineering staff for effectiveness and delivery of on-time & in-spec outcomes
• Get things done: drive projects, consistently deliver, act with speed

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (or equivalent industrial experience)
• 10+ years of experience with 8+ years of experience working as a staff mechanical design engineer or engineering team lead in a relevant context: design and implementation of R&D systems and manufacturing equipment
• Ability to conceive of novel solutions for complex engineering systems in challenging environments
• Expertise with 3D modeling; preferred experience with SolidWorks and NX
• Experience with COMSOL, ANSYS or other FEA tools
• Ability to select and qualify vendors for components or subsystems
• Demonstrated ability to lead in either direct or matrix structures
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and a dedication to high-quality documentation

Bonus points for:

• Prior success building first-of-kind or experimental tools for material science or semiconductor R&D
• Familiarity in applying Semi-S8, ASME, ACI, ASTM, and other mechanical standards to design solutions
• Experience with the operation of equipment in a manufacturing environment

Must-have Requirements:

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
• Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally

$130,000 - $200,000 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

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.