Mechanical Engineer – Fusion Target Fabrication

Department: Design and Engineering

Location: Livermore

Employment Type: FullTime

Overview

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer – Fusion Target to advance critical target fabrication capabilities for Inertia’s fusion program. This high-impact role supports the development, design, and operation of equipment and processes for precision target components, including capsules, hohlraums, foams, and films. You will be responsible for key aspects of lab-scale prototyping of target fabrication, including assembly, bonding, and alignment processes.

What you get to do:

• Develop equipment and processes for the fabrication of target components (capsules, hohlraums, foams, and films).

• Develop specialized tooling, fixtures, and production equipment for micro-mechanical assembly, precision bonding, and high-accuracy alignment.

• Design and perform mechanical testing and reliability assessments for parts and processes.

• Partner with materials scientists and process engineers to improve target quality, structural integrity, and manufacturing throughput.

• Coordinate with vendors, external partners, and internal teams to source and qualify specialty materials and high-precision components.

• Drive design reviews and coordinate with electrical, software, and manufacturing engineers

• Quickly iterate on prototypes and designs as required.

What you bring:

Required:

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.

• 0-10+ years of experience designing and fabricating micro-mechanical systems or other high-precision components.

• CAD proficiency and a strong foundation in Design for Manufacturing, with extensive experience in GD&T.

• Extensive hands-on experimental and prototyping experience in a laboratory or precision manufacturing environment.

• Demonstrated experience with precision assembly and bonding techniques.

Preferred:

• Experience with cryogenic or high-pressure systems

• Laboratory experience with organic polymers and lithium-containing chemicals

• Background in automation, robotics, or high-speed metrology systems

• Specific experience in fusion target manufacturing

Salary & Benefits

The base salary range for this role is $120,000 – $220,000. Exact compensation varies based on skills, experience, and education.

We offer a market-competitive program including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, company-paid holidays, matching 401k, and more!

About Inertia

Inertia is taking the most direct, scientifically proven path to commercializing fusion, leveraging the only successful achievement of fusion ignition using a process pioneered at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). With groundbreaking innovation, transformative technology, and multi-year investment, Inertia is committed to commercializing fusion energy in the next decade.