Mechanical Engineer - Engineering Support & CAD Administration (f/m/d)

Company Overview

Focused Energy is the leading laser-driven fusion company, pioneering the most promising path to clean, limitless fusion power. With locations in Darmstadt, Germany and the San Francisco Bay Area, our multidisciplinary team of top scientists and engineers utilizes proven technologies to unlock fusion power at commercial scale. We are advancing the next wave of economic growth and scientific innovation through widespread adoption of clean, abundant energy.

Role Overview

As a Mechanical Engineer – Engineering Support & CAD Administration, you will play a critical role in supporting the mechanical engineering team across multiple projects and in maintaining the organization’s core engineering design infrastructure. This position combines hands-on mechanical engineering responsibilities with oversight of the mechanical design environment, including CAD standards, data management, and the onboarding of new engineers.

Up to 50% of your time may be dedicated to engineering support activities such as CAD administration, Inventor and Vault management, and enforcing consistent documentation practices. This is an ideal position for someone who enjoys both direct design engineering and the continuous improvement of engineering systems and workflows.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Engineering Support

• Support the design and development of mechanical components and assemblies for various Focused Energy projects.

• Produce and maintain mechanical models, assemblies, and drawings using Autodesk Inventor.

• Contribute to the integration of mechanical systems such as vacuum systems, laser support structures, experimental chambers, diagnostics mounting systems, and facility infrastructure.

• Assist with mechanical layout and system integration activities.

CAD & Engineering Data Management (Inventor / Vault)

• Assist in administering the Autodesk Vault environment for the engineering team.

• Maintain CAD standards, templates, and part libraries.

• Support engineers with file management, version control, assembly structures, Vault workflows, and drawing standards.

• Help improve the structure of the mechanical design data system.

Engineering Onboarding & Tool Support

• Facilitate onboarding of new engineers into the mechanical design workflow.

• Provide mentoring and guidance on Inventor usage, Vault workflows, and engineering file management.

• Develop simple training materials or documentation as needed.

Documentation & Engineering Administration

• Support the creation and maintenance of bills of materials (BOMs), engineering drawings, and mechanical documentation packages.

• Ensure all engineering documentation meets company standards.

• Assist with organizing mechanical design data across projects.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, and systems engineers.

• Support the integration of mechanical designs into broader system architectures.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

• Experience using Autodesk Inventor for mechanical design.

• Experience with Autodesk Vault or similar PDM systems.

• Strong mechanical design and CAD modeling skills.

• Excellent attention to detail and a structured working style.

• Ability to support multiple engineering projects simultaneously.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in CAD administration or design system governance.

• Background in high-tech engineering environments, such as:

• Laser systems

• Vacuum systems

• Semiconductor equipment

• Scientific instrumentation

• Nuclear or fusion technology

• Experience with mechanical system integration.

Key Competencies

• Structured and detail-oriented approach to work.

• Strong discipline in CAD and modeling best practices.

• Ability to support engineering teams with tools and workflow improvements.

• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits.