Senior Opto-mechanical Engineer

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

. Lead opto-mechanical design and close-out of SPARC long wavelength diagnostic subsystems through final design review, release, procurement, and build .

Posted 11/12/2026full-timeDevens • Massachusetts • United StatesSenior💰 $134,000 - $205,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in opto-mechanical design, including the development of optical mounts and alignment systems, while ensuring compliance with safety practices and export control laws. Proven ability to lead design projects from concept through deployment, utilizing advanced engineering principles and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Opto-Mechanical Design3D CAD ProficiencyTolerance AnalysisAlignment Mechanisms DesignExport Control Laws Compliance

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Optical Mount DesignPrecision Mechanical DesignStructural/Thermal FEAGD&T (ASME Y14.5)Active Alignment SystemsOptic BondingAthermal DesignError BudgetsHands-On Lab ExperienceKinematic Mounts

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsAttention to DetailBias Toward ActionEngineering Judgment

Tools & Technologies

Zemax OpticStudioSiemens NX/TeamcenterPythonMATLAB

Industry Keywords

Photonics EngineeringLaser SafetyVacuum SystemsHigh Magnetic Field SafetyPlasma DiagnosticsHarsh-Environment Design

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AssemblyPython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead opto-mechanical design and close-out of SPARC long wavelength diagnostic subsystems through final design review, release, procurement, and build
Design mounts, enclosures, and packaging for optical and waveguide assemblies along beamlines from the tokamak through the Tokamak Hall to Diagnostic Labs
Design and implement active and passive alignment systems to maintain alignment through thermal and mechanical disturbances
Develop tolerance and alignment error budgets and perform or direct structural, thermal, and vibration FEA/STOP analyses
Translate measurement requirements into manufacturable designs and manage interfaces with tokamak, building, and mechanical integration teams
Work with CAD designers on models and GD&T drawings; prepare specifications and design review packages
Collaborate with vendors and machine shops on build, inspection, cost, and lead-time tradeoffs
Support assembly, installation, alignment, calibration, and commissioning in the Tokamak Hall and Diagnostic Labs
Resolve technical issues during manufacturing and installation
Provide technical leadership and mentorship; review engineers, designers, and contractors
Contribute to Photonics Engineering opto-mechanical standards, workflows, and best practices
Support laser, microwave, vacuum, and high magnetic field safety practices while commissioning and operating SPARC diagnostics

Requirements

What you’ll need

At least a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, optical engineering, engineering physics, or a related field
8+ years of experience in opto-mechanical or precision mechanical design (or 6+ years with an advanced degree)
Led the opto-mechanical design of precision optical instruments or systems from concept through build, test, and deployment
Designed optical mounts and packaging, including kinematic and semi-kinematic mounts, flexures, optic bonding, and athermal design
Designed and implemented alignment mechanisms and alignment procedures for multi-element optical systems
Performed tolerance analysis and error budgets, and used structural/thermal FEA to predict optical performance
Proficiency with 3D CAD and producing drawings to GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
Hands-on lab experience assembling and aligning optical systems
Strong communication skills to gather inputs and share information across several partner teams
First-principles approach and ability to understand tradeoffs bridging engineering and physics
Bias toward action and engineering judgment to produce robust, simple designs quickly
Attention to detail and ability to pivot between topics multiple times per day
Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
Ability to perform stooping, climbing, typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods
Dedication to safety around heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage, and cryogenics
Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call
Export Control Laws compliance required for employment
Master's degree or PhD, Zemax OpticStudio, Siemens NX/Teamcenter, microwave/millimeter-wave waveguide packaging, plasma diagnostics, harsh-environment design, active alignment, Python/MATLAB, laser safety, and supplier management are bonus qualifications

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive compensation with equity
13 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