Staff Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum
- Location
- Milpitas, CA · On-site
- Job type
- Full-time
- Level
- Lead / Staff
- Experience
- 15+ years
- Education
- Master's degree
- Listed
- 14 days ago
Skills & highlights for this role
- 3D modeling (SolidWorks and/or NX)
- FEA/thermal simulation (COMSOL, ANSYS)
- vacuum architecture
- high-temperature structural design
- thermal management in vacuum environments
- vendor selection and qualification
- design reviews
- mechanical system integration
- mentoring engineers
Also useful
- roll-to-roll (R2R) system design
- semiconductor R&D tool experience
- thin-film deposition equipment
- SEMI, ASME, ASTM standards
What you'll do
- Lead System Design: Drive the design, integration, and validation of advanced R&D processing 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
- 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
What we’re looking for
- 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
Bonus points for
- 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
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
- #LI-Onsite
- At 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.
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.
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 Principal Mechanical Engineer
We’re looking for a Staff 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.
Equal opportunity and legal notices
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.
From Commonwealth Fusion Systems's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on October 26, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.
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Common questions
Where is the Staff Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum job at Commonwealth Fusion Systems located?
This Staff Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum position at Commonwealth Fusion Systems is located in Milpitas, CA (On-site). Always check Commonwealth Fusion Systems's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.
What qualifications are required for Staff Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum at Commonwealth Fusion Systems?
For the Staff Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum role, Commonwealth Fusion Systems highlights 15+ years of relevant experience; a master's degree; experience with 3D modeling (SolidWorks and/or NX), FEA/thermal simulation (COMSOL, ANSYS), vacuum architecture, high-temperature structural design, thermal management in vacuum environments, vendor selection and qualification. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.
How do I apply for the Staff Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum position at Commonwealth Fusion Systems?
This listing links directly to Commonwealth Fusion Systems's Lever application page. You can apply directly on Commonwealth Fusion Systems's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Lever application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.