Principal Mechanical Engineer

Commonwealth Fusion Systems•Milpitas, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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 and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future. We’re in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we’ve raised nearly $3 billion in capital, making us the largest and leading private 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 Principal Mechanical Engineer We’re looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our R&D and equipment design team to help build the next generation of thin-film deposition technology. You will be responsible for the end-to-end design, integration, and implementation of advanced thermal vacuum deposition systems and complex R&D machinery. This role requires you to be a technical expert who can drive innovative architecture while maintaining the procedural discipline necessary for high-performance hardware. If you enjoy solving complex thermal-mechanical problems in vacuum environments and mentoring others in a collaborative, fast-paced setting, this is your opportunity to make an impact.

Requirements

Education: Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent industrial experience)
Experience: 15+ years of experience in the design and implementation of complex R&D systems or semiconductor manufacturing equipment
Thermal & Structural Expertise: Proven capability in high-temperature structural design and complex thermal management within vacuum environments
Vacuum System Proficiency: Deep understanding of vacuum architecture, including material outgassing, seal integrity, and pump-down optimization
Software Mastery: Expertise in 3D modeling (SolidWorks and/or NX) and FEA/Thermal simulation tools (COMSOL, ANSYS)
Hands-on Capability: Ability to bridge the gap between design and the shop floor, including experience with manual/CNC machining, prototyping, and hardware troubleshooting
Vendor Management: Experience selecting and qualifying global vendors for specialized components or custom sub-systems
Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead effectively in both direct and matrixed organizational structures.
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

Nice To Haves

R2R Expertise: Experience designing or integrating roll-to-roll (R2R) systems for material processing
Semiconductor Background: Prior success building first-of-kind or experimental tools for semiconductor R&D or thin-film deposition
Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with SEMI, ASME, ASTM, and other industry-standard mechanical codes
Motion Control: 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 equipment for thin-film processing
Define Requirements: Establish system-level requirements and innovative design concepts that directly correlate mechanical precision to final thin-film 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