Head of Mechanical Engineering

Lead the mechanical engineering effort that transforms fusion physics into rugged manufacturable hardwareshaping the machines that will power Realta Fusions path to commercial energy. The Head of Mechanical Engineeringwill leadRealtaFusions mechanical engineering organization driving the design analysis and integration of critical systems for our magnetic mirror fusion devices. This senior technical leadership role demands deep mechanical engineeringexpertise proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and the vision to translate fusion physics requirements into manufacturable reliable hardware. The ideal candidate combines hands-on technical credibility with strategic leadership thriving in a fast-paced environment where engineering decisions directlyimpactour path to commercial fusion energy. You will own the mechanical systems roadmap from experimental devices through pilot plant and commercial deployment ensuring designs meet performance requirements while advancing manufacturability cost and scheduleobjectives.

Realta Fusion is a rapidly growing start-up developing compact magnetic mirror fusion energy systems to address the biggest challenge of our time tackling global climate change while ensuring a sufficient energy supply for at least ten billion people on (and off) earth. We are building a team with diverse talents dedicated to making fusion energy arealsolution to humanitys most pressing problem.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Strategy

• Define mechanical engineering strategy from experimental devices through commercial deployment
• Own technical decisions for structural systems vacuum vessels thermal management materialsselection and mechanical integration
• Lead design reviews and approve critical mechanical systems ensuring alignment with physics requirements safety standards and manufacturing constraints
• Partner with physics andotherengineering teams to translate requirements into mechanical designs

Team Leadership & Development

• Build lead and mentor mechanical engineering team
• Establish technical standards design processes and engineering best practices
• Recruit top talent and develop engineering capabilities across the organization

Systems Design & Integration

• Lead mechanical design of vacuum vessels structural systems thermal management andcomponentintegration
• Drive integration with magnets plasma heating equipment diagnostics and control systems
• Oversee structural analysis thermal analysis and simulations to validate and optimize designs
• Ensure designs accommodate nuclear safety and regulatory requirements

Program Execution & Delivery

• Deliver mechanical engineering scope on schedule and budget for experimental campaigns and pilot plant development
• Manage engineering budget resource allocation and capital equipment investments
• Drive design-for-manufacturing initiatives to reduce costs and accelerate production

External Engagement

• Represent mechanical engineering capabilities to investors partners and technical stakeholders
• Collaborate with national laboratories universities and industry partners on systems development
• Engage with vendors and manufacturing partners toadvance fabrication capabilities

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. Advanced degree preferred
• 15 years mechanical engineering experience in hardware-intensive industries (aerospace energy advanced manufacturing accelerators)
• 5 years leading engineering teams of 5 people
• Track recorddelivering complex mechanical systems from concept through commissioning

Technical Expertise

• Deepexpertisein structural mechanics vacuum systems thermal management and mechanical design
• Proficiencywith CAD (SolidWorks NX CATIA) and FEA tools (ANSYS Abaqus)
• Experience with high-performance materials pressure vessels and extreme environmental applications
• Knowledge of mechanical codes and standards (ASME BPVC AWS)

Leadership & Execution

• Proven ability to lead mentor and develop high-performing engineering teams
• Strong communication skills across technical and business audiences
• Demonstrated success solving first-of-a-kind engineering challenges
• Comfortable in fast-paced startup environments with incomplete information and schedule pressure

Applicants who do not meet the entire job specification are encouraged to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

What we are working on is hard and hugely important. Realta Fusion is assembling a talented team bound together by a passion to solve humanitys biggest challenge with first-of-a-kind technology. Additionally Realta offers:

• Competitive compensation package including equity stock options
• Comprehensive benefits including health dental and vision insurance plus a 401(k)
• Flexible paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balance
• Work and live in Madison Wisconsin one of Americas most livable and vibrant cities

We value diversity as a critical factor in innovation and believe a diverse team is necessary to solve the toughest problems. We aim to create an inclusive environment that unleashes the full creativity of our team members from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on merit and without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability veteran status or any other protected status under applicable laws.