Founding Mechanical Engineer

Company Description

Zephyr Fusion (YC F25) is pioneering the development of compact megawatt-class fusion reactors designed specifically for space. By leveraging high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets and decreasing space launch costs, Zephyr Fusion harnesses the unique advantages of the space environment to create novel solutions for high-power applications. Zephyr Fusion aims to enable the industrialization of the space economy by building spacecraft power systems with orders of magnitude higher power densities vs. conventional satellite power systems.

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Role Description

We are seeking a driven and innovative mechanical engineer to own the full lifecycle of high performance hardware systems, from architecture through to integration and launch. This role is a unique opportunity to lay the foundations of the mechanical engineering team here at Zephyr Fusion with a focus on designing and developing mechanical systems for advanced space applications. You will play a pivotal role in bringing Zephyr Fusion's groundbreaking space technologies to life and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to meet innovative engineering goals.

This is a full-time, on-site role located in Vista, CA

Due to ITAR and export control restrictions candidates must be US persons.

Responsibilities Include

• You will own the success of the mechanical structures and mechanisms that will be key to our operations in space
• Take hardware and mechanisms from conceptual design through qualification to on-orbit operations
• You will work closely with cross-functional teams to solve hard multi-domain problems while driving designs toward real hardware
• Own CAD models, drawings, release packages, and bill of materials for prototype and flight hardware
• Drive design trades across performance, manufacturability, schedule, and cost
• Establish effective processes and standards for mechanical engineering at Zephyr Fusion

Qualifications

• Expertise in Mechanical Design and Mechanical Engineering
• 8 or more years of relevant experience. We highly value time spent in fast-moving, execution-focused teams and product-driven cultures
• Experience xhyhwjd with CAD or FEA software packages
• Experience with the practical application of GD&T
• Demonstrated proficiency in the principles of mechanical design, materials, and thermodynamics
• Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test hardware from a blank canvas, including troubleshooting and iterating designs
• Ability to collaborate across teams in fast-paced, hands-on engineering projects

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace, fusion, or advanced energy technology
• Design of magnetic systems and/or High Temperature Superconductors
• Experience working on projects with extreme thermal challenges
• Familiarity with space screening and qualification processes