{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"8d7a05e806a978bc6c8a6f68","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/8d7a05e806a978bc6c8a6f68","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/8d7a05e806a978bc6c8a6f68","title":"Staff Mechanical Engineer","description":"About Commonwealth Fusion Systems:\n\nCommonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy.\n\nCombining 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.\n\nWe’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.\n\nNow 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.\n\nIf that’s you and this role fits, we want to hear from you.\n\nJoin the power movement as a Staff Mechanical Engineer\nWe’re looking for a Staff Mechanical Engineer to join our R&D and equipment design team to help build the next generation of thin-film deposition technology. Serving as the \"Second Chair\" within our engineering group, you will be a high-impact technical leader who leads by example, solving highly complex, semi-ambiguous problems that influence the success of multiple teams.\nYou will be responsible for the end-to-end design, integration, and implementation of advanced thermal vacuum deposition systems and complex R&D machinery. Operating with near-complete independence, you will manage long-term assignments with loosely-defined outcomes, balancing expert-level technical execution with the operational discipline required to ship high-performance hardware.\nWhat you'll do:\nOwn System Execution:\nDrive the design, integration, and validation of advanced R&D equipment for thin-film processing, taking independent ownership of long-term projects and major mechanical sub-systems\nAct as technical Lead & Responsible Engineer (RE):\nProvide technical leadership on complex, cross-functional projects, leading small project groups and serving as a discipline-specific advisor\nSolve Highly Complex Problems:\nAddress ambiguous technical challenges impacting multiple groups, proactively removing project barriers and generating novel solutions\nPlan & Organize Milestones:\nGenerate detailed work plans and milestones for complex and semi-ambiguous hardware developments\nStandardize Best Practices & Policies:\nDrive continuous process improvement, tool development, and department policies using semiconductor standards as your guide\nManage Project Risk:\nIndependently manage medium risks, identify larger system risks, and drive the development of robust mitigation solutions\nCollaborate & Influence:\nBuild strong relationships across departments, effectively communicating highly complex concepts to diverse audiences and resolving cross-functional conflicts to achieve alignment\nMentor Talent:\nActively mentor junior colleagues, taking direct ownership of their technical growth and skill development\nDeliver with Speed:\nTranslate system-level requirements into innovative concepts, driving projects efficiently from initial design through assembly, testing, and implementation\nWhat we’re looking for:\nEducation:\nMaster’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent industrial experience)\nExperience:\n10+ years of experience in the design and implementation of complex R&D systems or semiconductor manufacturing equipment\nDomain Expertise:\nExpert-level mastery of core mechanical engineering functions with a deep technical focus on thin-film processing hardware or vacuum systems\nAutonomy & Judgment:\nProven ability to operate independently with near-complete autonomy, making sound judgment calls that impact the overall success of major project components\nThermal & Structural Expertise:\nProven capability in high-temperature structural design and complex thermal management within vacuum environments\nVacuum System Proficiency:\nDeep understanding of vacuum architecture, including material outgassing, seal integrity, and pump-down optimization\nSoftware Mastery:\nExpertise in 3D modeling (SolidWorks and/or NX) and familiarity with leveraging FEA/Thermal simulation tools (COMSOL, ANSYS) to make data-driven decisions\nHands-on Capability:\nAbility to bridge the gap between design and the shop floor, including experience with manual/CNC machining, prototyping, and hardware troubleshooting\nVendor Management:\nExperience selecting and qualifying global vendors for specialized components or custom sub-systems\nBonus points for:\nSemiconductor Background:\nPrior success building first-of-kind or experimental tools for semiconducto\nStandards Knowledge:\nFamiliarity with applying SEMI, ASME, ASTM, and other industry-standard mechanical codes to hardware designs\nMotion Control:\nExperience designing precision motion and motor-controlled systems within challenging environments\nMust-have Requirements:\nAbility to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs\nPerform activities such as stooping, climbing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time\nDedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics\nWillingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally\nSalary 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:\nCompetitive compensation with equity\n13 Company-wide Holidays\nFlexible vacation days\n10 sick days\nGenerous parental leave policy\nHealth, dental, and vision insurance\n401(k) with employer matching\nProfessional growth opportunities\nTeam-building activities\n#LI-Onsite\n\nAt 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.\n\nWe 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.\n\nThis 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.","company":"Commonwealthfusionsystems5","rawCompany":"commonwealthfusionsystems5","city":"Milpitas","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-04T19:05:22.606Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2141.00","title":"Mechanical Engineers","slug":"mechanical-engineers"},{"code":"17-2199.00","title":"Engineers, All Other","slug":"engineers-all-other"},{"code":"11-9041.00","title":"Architectural and Engineering Managers","slug":"architectural-and-engineering-managers"}],"industries":[{"code":"333248","title":"All Other Industrial Machinery Manufacturing","slug":"all-other-industrial-machinery-manufacturing"},{"code":"541715","title":"Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)","slug":"research-and-development-in-the-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences-except-nanotechnology-and-biotechnology"},{"code":"541330","title":"Engineering Services","slug":"engineering-services"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Staff Mechanical Engineer","description":"About Commonwealth Fusion Systems:\n\nCommonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy.\n\nCombining 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.\n\nWe’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.\n\nNow 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.\n\nIf that’s you and this role fits, we want to hear from you.\n\nJoin the power movement as a Staff Mechanical Engineer\nWe’re looking for a Staff Mechanical Engineer to join our R&D and equipment design team to help build the next generation of thin-film deposition technology. Serving as the \"Second Chair\" within our engineering group, you will be a high-impact technical leader who leads by example, solving highly complex, semi-ambiguous problems that influence the success of multiple teams.\nYou will be responsible for the end-to-end design, integration, and implementation of advanced thermal vacuum deposition systems and complex R&D machinery. Operating with near-complete independence, you will manage long-term assignments with loosely-defined outcomes, balancing expert-level technical execution with the operational discipline required to ship high-performance hardware.\nWhat you'll do:\nOwn System Execution:\nDrive the design, integration, and validation of advanced R&D equipment for thin-film processing, taking independent ownership of long-term projects and major mechanical sub-systems\nAct as technical Lead & Responsible Engineer (RE):\nProvide technical leadership on complex, cross-functional projects, leading small project groups and serving as a discipline-specific advisor\nSolve Highly Complex Problems:\nAddress ambiguous technical challenges impacting multiple groups, proactively removing project barriers and generating novel solutions\nPlan & Organize Milestones:\nGenerate detailed work plans and milestones for complex and semi-ambiguous hardware developments\nStandardize Best Practices & Policies:\nDrive continuous process improvement, tool development, and department policies using semiconductor standards as your guide\nManage Project Risk:\nIndependently manage medium risks, identify larger system risks, and drive the development of robust mitigation solutions\nCollaborate & Influence:\nBuild strong relationships across departments, effectively communicating highly complex concepts to diverse audiences and resolving cross-functional conflicts to achieve alignment\nMentor Talent:\nActively mentor junior colleagues, taking direct ownership of their technical growth and skill development\nDeliver with Speed:\nTranslate system-level requirements into innovative concepts, driving projects efficiently from initial design through assembly, testing, and implementation\nWhat we’re looking for:\nEducation:\nMaster’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent industrial experience)\nExperience:\n10+ years of experience in the design and implementation of complex R&D systems or semiconductor manufacturing equipment\nDomain Expertise:\nExpert-level mastery of core mechanical engineering functions with a deep technical focus on thin-film processing hardware or vacuum systems\nAutonomy & Judgment:\nProven ability to operate independently with near-complete autonomy, making sound judgment calls that impact the overall success of major project components\nThermal & Structural Expertise:\nProven capability in high-temperature structural design and complex thermal management within vacuum environments\nVacuum System Proficiency:\nDeep understanding of vacuum architecture, including material outgassing, seal integrity, and pump-down optimization\nSoftware Mastery:\nExpertise in 3D modeling (SolidWorks and/or NX) and familiarity with leveraging FEA/Thermal simulation tools (COMSOL, ANSYS) to make data-driven decisions\nHands-on Capability:\nAbility to bridge the gap between design and the shop floor, including experience with manual/CNC machining, prototyping, and hardware troubleshooting\nVendor Management:\nExperience selecting and qualifying global vendors for specialized components or custom sub-systems\nBonus points for:\nSemiconductor Background:\nPrior success building first-of-kind or experimental tools for semiconducto\nStandards Knowledge:\nFamiliarity with applying SEMI, ASME, ASTM, and other industry-standard mechanical codes to hardware designs\nMotion Control:\nExperience designing precision motion and motor-controlled systems within challenging environments\nMust-have Requirements:\nAbility to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs\nPerform activities such as stooping, climbing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time\nDedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics\nWillingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally\nSalary 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:\nCompetitive compensation with equity\n13 Company-wide Holidays\nFlexible vacation days\n10 sick days\nGenerous parental leave policy\nHealth, dental, and vision insurance\n401(k) with employer matching\nProfessional growth opportunities\nTeam-building activities\n#LI-Onsite\n\nAt 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.\n\nWe 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.\n\nThis 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.","datePosted":"2026-08-04T19:05:22.606Z","dateModified":"2026-08-04T19:05:22.606Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Commonwealthfusionsystems5","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Milpitas","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"8d7a05e806a978bc6c8a6f68"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/8d7a05e806a978bc6c8a6f68"}}