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Staff Mechanical Engineer
Job Location:
Job Location:
Milpitas, CA - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not provided by the employer
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
3 July 2026 (30+ days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
30 September 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
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 were designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And were working with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future.
Were in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018 weve raised nearly $3 billion in capital making us the largest and leading private fusion company in the world.
Now were looking for more thinkers doers builders and makers to join us. People wholl bring new perspectives solve tough problems and thrive as part of a team.
If thats you and this role fits we want to hear from you.
Join the power movement as a Staff Mechanical Engineer
Were 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.
You 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.
What youll do:
- Own System Execution:
- Drive 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
- Act as technical Lead & Responsible Engineer (RE):
- Provide technical leadership on complex cross-functional projects leading small project groups and serving as a discipline-specific advisor
- Solve Highly Complex Problems:
- Address ambiguous technical challenges impacting multiple groups proactively removing project barriers and generating novel solutions
- Plan & Organize Milestones:
- Generate detailed work plans and milestones for complex and semi-ambiguous hardware developments
- Standardize Best Practices & Policies:
- Drive continuous process improvement tool development and department policies using semiconductor standards as your guide
- Manage Project Risk:
- Independently manage medium risks identify larger system risks and drive the development of robust mitigation solutions
- Collaborate & Influence:
- Build strong relationships across departments effectively communicating highly complex concepts to diverse audiences and resolving cross-functional conflicts to achieve alignment
- Mentor Talent:
- Actively mentor junior colleagues taking direct ownership of their technical growth and skill development
- Deliver with Speed:
- Translate system-level requirements into innovative concepts driving projects efficiently from initial design through assembly testing and implementation
What were looking for:
- Education:
- Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent industrial experience)
- Experience:
- 10 years of experience in the design and implementation of complex R&D systems or semiconductor manufacturing equipment
- Domain Expertise:
- Expert-level mastery of core mechanical engineering functions with a deep technical focus on thin-film processing hardware or vacuum systems
- Autonomy & Judgment:
- Proven ability to operate independently with near-complete autonomy making sound judgment calls that impact the overall success of major project components
- 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 familiarity with leveraging FEA/Thermal simulation tools (COMSOL ANSYS) to make data-driven decisions
- 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
Bonus points for:
- Semiconductor Background:
- Prior success building first-of-kind or experimental tools for semiconducto
- Standards Knowledge:
- Familiarity with applying SEMI ASME ASTM and other industry-standard mechanical codes to hardware designs
- Motion Control:
- Experience designing precision motion and motor-controlled systems within challenging environments
Must-have Requirements:
- 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
$130000 - $200000 a year
Salary 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:
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
#LI-Onsite
At CFS we excel in fast-paced environments driven by our values of integrity execution impact and self-critique. As we grow were eager to bring on mission-driven folks who offer diverse perspectives and fresh ways to tackle challenges.
We 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.
This 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.
Required Experience:
Staff IC
