Mechanical Engineer

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 Principal Mechanical Engineer - Web Handling   We are looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer specializing in Web Handling and Roll-to-Roll (R2R) systems to serve as the definitive company-wide technical authority for continuous material processing equipment. In this "First Chair" leadership role, you will shape the overall technical direction, architecture, and deployment of high-precision web transport systems operating in a variety of thermal environments.
You will lead the execution of highly complex, ambiguous cross-functional initiatives that directly impact our core R&D and manufacturing roadmap. Operating with complete independence, you will combine deep technical expertise in web dynamics and precision mechatronics, with strategic leadership establishing division-wide design standards, mitigating significant technical risks, and mentoring the engineering organization.

What you'll do:

• Shape R2R System Architecture: Serve as the chief architect for next-generation roll-to-roll equipment, dynamic tension systems, precision accumulators, and high-speed winders/unwinders
• Research Advanced Winding & Unwinding Technologies: Actively research, evaluate, and benchmark next-generation web handling, winding, and unwinding equipment and technologies to inform tool architecture and roadmap decisions
• Lead Cross-Functional Strategy: Translate complex scientific R&D objectives into actionable engineering architectures, bridging mechanical design, process physics, electrical hardware, and closed-loop controls across multiple project groups
• Master Web Dynamics & Technical Risk: Drive advanced dynamic modeling, web physics analysis, and experimental validation to resolve critical web defects (e.g., thermal buckling, lateral drift, scratching, or tension transients) in flexible metal substrates
• Establish Division Standards: Institutionalize company-wide engineering standards, design guidelines, and testing methodologies for web handling, precision roller design, bearing selection, and mechatronics