SECTION I · THE BRIEF
Brief #75730Updated 28 OCT 2026MILPITAS, CALeverKHOSLA VENTURES
Employbl Company Profile

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) is an American company founded in 2018 aiming to build a compact nuclear fusion power plant based on the ARC tokamak reactor concept. The company is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts,…

Location
Milpitas, CA
Company size
500–2,000
Posted
Today
Via
Lever
Section II · Full ProfileFree with an account
  • 01Comp band & equity packageLocked
  • 02Seniority & experience requirementsLocked
  • 03Interview process & rubricLocked
  • 04Headcount & which departments are hiringLocked
  • 05Growth trajectory in this roleLocked
  • 06Offer & decision timelineLocked

No card · 2 minutes · the funding and stack behind this role

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum

Commonwealth Fusion Systems· Milpitas, CAView company profile


Job title
Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum
Job location
Milpitas, CA
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 equipment. You will be responsible for the end-to-end design, integration, and implementation of advanced thermal vacuum equipment and 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.

What you'll do:
  • Lead System Design: Own the design, integration, and validation of R&D 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
  • Get Things Done: Act with speed to drive projects from concept through assembly, testing, and implementation
  • What we’re looking for:
  • Education: Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent industrial experience)
  • Experience: 7+ years of experience in the design and implementation of complex R&D systems or semiconductor manufacturing equipment
  • Thermal & Structural Expertise: Practical experience managing vacuum architecture (pumps, gauges, leak detection) and thermal management systems (chillers, heat exchangers)
  • 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
  • Bonus points for:
    • 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
    Must-have requirements:
  • 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
  • View job listing ↗
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    Commonwealth Fusion Systems headquarters

    Cambridge, MA

    Company size

    500–2,000 employees

    Founded

    2018

    Total raised

    $3,877,000,000

    View company profile ↗

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