Senior Mechanical Engineer

Summary

Join Commonwealth Fusion Systems as a Senior Mechanical Engineer specializing in Remote Maintenance for our groundbreaking fusion power plant, ARC. You will play a crucial role in developing ARC's remote maintenance system, designing radiation-hardened remote handling equipment (RHE), and collaborating with various engineering teams. This position demands expertise in robotics, remote handling, and complex system design, requiring you to perform high-level trade studies and manage projects across multiple disciplines. You will also contribute to R&D efforts and collaborate with external partners. The role offers a competitive salary, equity, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

• Structural, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering B.S
• At least 5 years of mechanical engineering experience in the design, fabrication, testing, operations, integration, and commissioning of complex mechanical structures (e.g. fusion, fission, aerospace, marine)
• At least 5 years of technical experience in the design of remote handling equipment (RHE) using robotics or remotely operated precision mechanical structures (e.g. remote welding/cutting, manipulation, alignment, rescue, inspections)
• Experience with standard actuation, guidance mechanisms, sensing, and structural mechanisms
• Proficient in structural analysis via both hand calcs and finite element analysis (Ansys preferred)
• Familiar with CAD, (NX preferred)
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, technical staff, executives, and others
• Ability to clearly express and critique ideas
• Safety conscious
• Perform activities such as typing and 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. Travel expected up to 15%

Responsibilities

• Develop concept of operations for the ARC Remote Maintenance System
• Participate in the pre-conceptual design process of the ARC fusion power plant
• Design ARC’s radiation hardened remote handling equipment (RHE) by incorporating a mix of existing robotic technologies, custom hardware, and remotely operated heavy lift equipment
• Perform maintenance assessments of the tokamak and plant to shape the development of ARC as a remotely maintainable power plant
• Collaborate closely with tokamak engineering teams to assist in designing the ARC tokamak for remote maintainability and finding creative and novel solutions to tokamak joints
• Perform high level multi-disciplinary trade studies of solutions that involve complex trade offs between physics, neutronics, design, maintenance, materials, manufacturing, techno-economics, and other disciplines
• Collaborate with multiple teams and manage projects across different disciplines to help solve tough multi-disciplinary problems
• Identify key R&D needed for the ARC remote maintenance program, and help establish the plans to execute the R&D campaigns internally or with external partners
• Research existing established and cutting edge remote handling solutions to assess their application in the ARC remote maintenance system
• Work with external RHE/robotics organizations and general industry to manage contracted work, collaborate on cutting edge R&D, and transfer knowledge and expertise into CFS
• Establish CFS’s remote maintenance design guidelines for RHE, the Tokamak, and plant

Preferred Qualifications

• Structural, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering M.S
• Experience in the pre-conceptual design of complex systems involving high level, multi-disciplinary trade studies of both RHE and machine design (e.g. tokamak, fission core, sub-sea hardware)
• Experience with the implementation of radiation hardened equipment and methods into RHE design
• Experience with rescue or decommissioning RHE
• Experience with site layout design of remotely operated facilities
• Familiarity with the basics of sensing, high power, controls, and fluid systems
• Familiarity with high vacuum processes
• Knowledge of fabrication methods such as welding and machining
• Knowledge of engineering materials basics for metals and composites
• Proficient in CAD (NX preferred)
• Self driven and autonomous
• Aptitude to use data to drive decisions
• Familiarity with all steps in the design process with an emphasis on creativity and simplicity
• The ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with equity
• 12.5 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