Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Develops high-temperature superconducting fusion magnets

Staff Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Thermal & Fluids EngineeringConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeMilpitas, CA, USA$166k - $240k /yr

About the Job

Requirements

A Master's or PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field, with a heavy focus on computational mechanics and multi-physics modeling.
At least 10 years of experience in simulation and predictive analysis of complex R&D systems.
Advanced hands-on expertise in ANSYS, COMSOL Multiphysics, or equivalent high-end finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics simulation platforms.
A proven track record of running coupled simulations, such as fluid-structure interaction, thermal-structural behavior, and chemical reaction modeling.
Ability to validate simulation results against physical test metrics such as strain gauge data, thermal imaging, and flow sensors.
Demonstrated ability to influence hardware design direction through analytical data and lead cross-functional initiatives in a matrixed environment.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Ability to stoop, climb, stand, and sit for extended periods.
Willingness to travel or work nights, weekends, or on-call occasionally.
Dedication to safety around industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics.
Ability to comply with U.S. laws concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information; any offer is contingent on compliance.

Responsibilities

Lead advanced finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics for advanced processing equipment.
Build, run, and evaluate highly coupled simulations covering structural mechanics, high-temperature thermal management, fluid and gas flow dynamics, and chemical reaction kinetics.
Implement engineering workflows for simulation data management, mesh convergence criteria, and rigorous verification and validation protocols using physical test data.
Provide analytical leadership during technical design reviews, verifying structural margins, thermal stress distributions, and flow uniformity to guide design choices.
Partner with cross-functional teams, including mechanical designers, electrical engineers, materials scientists, and chemical specialists, to translate simulation insights into actionable hardware modifications.
Own and report on modeling milestones, timelines, and computational resources to stakeholders, ensuring on-time and in-spec delivery.
Coach and mentor junior engineering staff on modeling methodologies, simulation accuracy, and the practical application of finite element principles to real-world hardware.
Solve critical engineering bottlenecks and validate design optimization paths from concept through prototype deployment.

Desired Qualifications

Familiarity with applying industry codes to simulation-driven design validation.
Experience running transient dynamic simulations or modeling precision motion systems in extreme thermal environments.

Salary Range: 166000 to 240000 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)

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 Staff Modeling and Simulation Engineer

We’re looking for a Staff Modeling and Simulation Engineer to join our design team to help build next-generation hardware. In this role, you will serve as a lead technical expert for advanced simulations, driving the predictive validation of complex hardware systems.

This role requires a high-level practitioner in multi-physics simulation who can comfortably model complex interactions across thermal, structural, fluid flow, and chemical regimes. If you enjoy solving deeply complex physics problems, applying rigorous modeling standards, and working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment to deliver first-of-a-kind hardware, this is your opportunity to make an impact.

What you'll do:

Execute Simulation and Modeling: Lead advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for advanced processing equipment
Run Multi-Physics Analysis: Build, run, and evaluate highly coupled simulations covering structural mechanics, high-temperature thermal management, fluid/gas flow dynamics, and chemical reaction kinetics
Apply Engineering Best Practices: Implement engineering workflows for simulation data management, mesh convergence criteria, and rigorous verification and validation (V&V) protocols using physical test data
Drive Design Reviews: Provide analytical leadership during technical design reviews, verifying structural margins, thermal stress distributions, and flow uniformity to guide design choices
Collaborate & Interface: Partner closely with cross-functional teams, including Mechanical Designers, Electrical Engineers, Materials Scientists, and Chemical Specialists, to translate simulation insights into actionable hardware modifications
Project Accountability: Own and report on modeling milestones, timelines, and computational resources to stakeholders, ensuring on-time and in-spec delivery
Mentor Talent: Coach and mentor junior engineering staff on modeling methodologies, simulation accuracy, and the practical application of finite element principles to real-world hardware
Get Things Done: Act with speed to solve critical engineering bottlenecks, validating design optimization paths from concept through prototype deployment

What we’re looking for:

Education: Master’s or PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field with a heavy focus on computational mechanics and multi-physics modeling
Experience: 10+ years of experience in simulation and predictive analysis of complex R&D systems
Software Mastery: Advanced, hands-on expert in ANSYS, COMSOL Multi-physics, or equivalent high-end FEA/CFD simulation platforms
Multi-Disciplinary Analytical Expertise: Proven track record of successfully running coupled simulations (e.g., fluid-structure interaction, thermal-structural behavior, and chemical reaction modeling)
Empirical Correlation: Ability to bridge the gap between virtual models and the shop floor by validating simulation results against physical test metrics like strain gauge data, thermal imaging, and flow sensors
Leadership: Demonstrated ability to influence hardware design direction through analytical data and lead cross-functional initiatives in a matrixed environment

Bonus points for:

Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with applying industry codes to simulation-driven design validation
Motion & Dynamics: Experience running transient dynamic simulations or modeling precision motion systems in extreme thermal 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

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.

About the Company

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Develops high-temperature superconducting fusion magnets

Commonwealth Fusion Systems builds fusion energy systems that aim to provide clean, affordable power. It designs tokamaks using high-temperature superconducting magnets to make smaller, less expensive machines. Its flagship SPARC is intended to produce net energy, with ARC envisioned as the first commercial fusion power plant. The company collaborates with MIT and focuses on a data-driven, mission-focused path to scalable fusion energy for large energy users.

Company size: 1,001-5,000
Company stage: Grant
Total funding: $4B
Headquarters: Harvard, MA
Founded: 2018

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