Realta Fusion Inc.
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.
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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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr