Head of Mechanical Engineering

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Realta Fusion Inc.

Head of Mechanical Engineering

madison, WI
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Lead the mechanical engineering effort that transforms fusion physics into rugged, manufacturable hardware—shaping the machines that will power Realta Fusion’s path to commercial energy. The Head of Mechanical Engineering will lead Realta Fusion's mechanical engineering organization, driving the design, analysis, and integration of critical systems for our magnetic mirror fusion devices. This senior technical leadership role demands deep mechanical engineering expertise, proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, and the vision to translate fusion physics requirements into manufacturable, reliable hardware. The ideal candidate combines hands-on technical credibility with strategic leadership, thriving in a fast-paced environment where engineering decisions directly impact our path to commercial fusion energy. You will own the mechanical systems roadmap from experimental devices through pilot plant and commercial deployment, ensuring designs meet performance requirements while advancing manufacturability, cost, and schedule objectives.

    Realta Fusion is a rapidly growing start-up developing compact magnetic mirror fusion energy systems to address the biggest challenge of our time – tackling global climate change while ensuring a sufficient energy supply for at least ten billion people on (and off) earth. We are building a team with diverse talents dedicated to making fusion energy a real solution to humanity’s most pressing problem.

    Key Responsibilities
    Technical Leadership & Strategy
    • Define mechanical engineering strategy from experimental devices through commercial deployment
    • Own technical decisions for structural systems, vacuum vessels, thermal management, materials selection, and mechanical integration
    • Lead design reviews and approve critical mechanical systems ensuring alignment with physics requirements, safety standards, and manufacturing constraints
    • Partner with physics and other engineering teams to translate requirements into mechanical designs
    Team Leadership & Development
    • Build, lead, and mentor mechanical engineering team
    • Establish technical standards, design processes, and engineering best practices
    • Recruit top talent and develop engineering capabilities across the organization
    Systems Design & Integration
    • Lead mechanical design of vacuum vessels, structural systems, thermal management, and component integration
    • Drive integration with magnets, plasma heating equipment, diagnostics, and control systems
    • Oversee structural analysis, thermal analysis, and simulations to validate and optimize designs
    • Ensure designs accommodate nuclear, safety, and regulatory requirements
    Program Execution & Delivery
    • Deliver mechanical engineering scope on schedule and budget for experimental campaigns and pilot plant development
    • Manage engineering budget, resource allocation, and capital equipment investments
    • Drive design-for-manufacturing initiatives to reduce costs and accelerate production
    External Engagement
    • Represent mechanical engineering capabilities to investors, partners, and technical stakeholders
    • Collaborate with national laboratories, universities, and industry partners on systems development
    • Engage with vendors and manufacturing partners to advance fabrication capabilities
    Qualifications
    Education & Experience
    • BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. Advanced degree preferred
    • 15+ years mechanical engineering experience in hardware-intensive industries (aerospace, energy, advanced manufacturing, accelerators)
    • 5+ years leading engineering teams of 5+ people
    • Track record delivering complex mechanical systems from concept through commissioning
    Technical Expertise
    • Deep expertise in structural mechanics, vacuum systems, thermal management, and mechanical design
    • Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA) and FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus)
    • Experience with high-performance materials, pressure vessels, and extreme environmental applications
    • Knowledge of mechanical codes and standards (ASME BPVC, AWS)
    Leadership & Execution
    • Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering teams
    • Strong communication skills across technical and business audiences
    • Demonstrated success solving first-of-a-kind engineering challenges
    • Comfortable in fast-paced startup environments with incomplete information and schedule pressure

    Applicants who do not meet the entire job specification are encouraged to apply.

    Compensation & Benefits

    What we are working on is hard… and hugely important. Realta Fusion is assembling a talented team bound together by a passion to solve humanity’s biggest challenge with first-of-a-kind technology. Additionally, Realta offers:

    • Competitive compensation package, including equity stock options
    • Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)
    • Flexible paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balance
    • Work and live in Madison, Wisconsin — one of America’s most livable and vibrant cities

    We value diversity as a critical factor in innovation and believe a diverse team is necessary to solve the toughest problems. We aim to create an inclusive environment that unleashes the full creativity of our team members from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on merit and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.