Manager, Mechanical Engineering

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 working with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future.

We'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.

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 Manager, Mechanical Engineering

The Manager of Mechanical Engineering is a hands-on leader accountable for the design, fabrication, and performance of specialized manufacturing equipment and tooling. You will translate artistic and technical visions into actionable engineering plans, removing barriers to lead your team through the development of high-precision hardware for superconducting magnet production. You are responsible for cascading the creative vision, establishing technical excellence, and ensuring your team delivers robust mechanical solutions to meet our production scale-up targets.

What you'll do:

• Lead a team of mechanical engineers to plan and deliver on near to medium-term objectives for custom machinery and specialized tooling
• Translate department-level strategy into actionable group objectives and manageable project timelines
• Define and optimize mechanical engineering workflows and internal standards to improve design quality and team efficiency
• Independently manage technical risks and propose solutions for complex hardware challenges and equipment failures
• Oversee the full design lifecycle, from initial concept and CAD modeling to hardware procurement and assembly
• Establish best practices for mechanical design, including standards for drafting, GD&T, and design-for-manufacturability
• Manage all aspects of the group's talent, including hiring, training, and setting clear performance expectations
• Coach and mentor team members, actively contributing to their technical growth and professional career development
• Build relationships across the organization to influence design direction and resolve technical conflicts with stakeholders
• Promote a culture of resilience and grit, ensuring the team consistently follows through on assignments despite technical hurdles

What we're looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field
• 5+ years of experience as a mechanical engineer working on complex mechanical systems or capital equipment
• At least 2 years of direct management experience leading engineering teams, including hiring and performance management
• Expertise in custom tooling design and a strong value for simplicity and serviceability in mechanical hardware
• Proficiency in advanced CAD modeling and drafting, with a deep understanding of GD&T standards
• Proven ability to manage external vendors, job shops, and fabrication partners to deliver hardware to specification
• Experience with various fabrication techniques, such as CNC machining, welding, and additive manufacturing

Bonus points for:

• Experience in a Greenfield or Brownfield manufacturing startup environment
• Proficiency with NX and Teamcenter
• Working knowledge of thermal/mechanical design considerations for cryogenics or high-field magnets
• Experience driving equipment acceptance tests (FAT & SAT) and estimating CapEx for new designs

Must-have requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally
• Perform activities such as typing, standing, stooping, and sitting, for extended periods of time
• Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage, and cryogenics
• Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call

$110,000 - $185,000 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, we're 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.