Principal Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum
Commonwealth Fusion Systems•Milpitas, CA
•$150,000 - $225,000•Onsite
About The Position
Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join their R&D and equipment design team. This role is crucial for building the next generation of equipment and involves end-to-end design, integration, and implementation of advanced thermal vacuum equipment and R&D machinery. The ideal candidate will be a technical expert capable of driving innovative architecture while adhering to procedural discipline for high-performance hardware. This opportunity is for individuals who enjoy solving complex thermal-mechanical problems in vacuum environments and mentoring others in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent industrial experience)
- 15+ years of experience in the design and implementation of complex R&D systems or semiconductor manufacturing equipment
- Proven capability in high-temperature structural design and complex thermal management within vacuum environments
- Deep understanding of vacuum architecture, including material outgassing, seal integrity, and pump-down optimization
- Expertise in 3D modeling (SolidWorks and/or NX) and FEA/Thermal simulation tools (COMSOL, ANSYS)
- Ability to bridge the gap between design and the shop floor, including experience with manual/CNC machining, prototyping, and hardware troubleshooting
- Experience selecting and qualifying global vendors for specialized components or custom sub-systems
- Demonstrated ability to lead effectively in both direct and matrixed organizational structures
- 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
Nice To Haves
- Experience designing or integrating roll-to-roll (R2R) systems for material processing
- Prior success building first-of-kind or experimental tools for semiconductor R&D or thin-film deposition
- Familiarity with SEMI, ASME, ASTM, and other industry-standard mechanical codes
- Experience designing precision motion and motor-controlled systems within challenging environments
Responsibilities
- Lead System Design: Drive the design, integration, and validation of advanced R&D processing 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
- Mentor Talent: Coach engineering staff on technical delivery, procedural discipline, and professional development
- Get Things Done: Act with speed to drive projects from concept through assembly, testing, and implementation
Benefits
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
