Zap Energy is looking for a Mechanical Engineer who has experience with the design and build of complex vacuum-mechanical assemblies. This engineer will have a hands-on role in the design and build of fusion plasma devices and their related systems, including mechanical structures, vacuum vessels, electrodes, high-performance gas puff valves and gas delivery systems, and scientific instruments.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Participate in the engineering design of Zap’s next-generation plasma fusion devices
• Mechanical and vacuum design, modeling, and analysis of plasma fusion devices (electrodes, vacuum vessels, vacuum seals)
• Design and understanding of relevant pumping systems, cooling systems, fuel gas delivery systems, and pulsed power handling
• Work with Scientists and Research Engineers to develop design requirements
• Assembly of plasma fusion devices and high-performance gas puff valves; occasional fabrication of small parts
• Drafting of professional engineering drawings using relevant standards
• Working with Procurement to source raw materials and finished parts

Qualifications and Skills:

Required:

• Education : B.S. or M.S in Mechanical or related engineering discipline
• Years of experience: 8+ years
• Demonstrated experience with the design and analysis of complex vacuum-mechanical assemblies
• Strong experience with computed aided design (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, Pro-E)
• Strong experience with material selection (metals, plastics, ceramics) for various applications
• Experience with design for Ultra-High Vacuum systems
• Knowledge of traditional and advanced fabrication processes
• Strong experience with creating professional engineering drawings to industry standards
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic engineering research environment

 Preferred:

• Experience with design for plasma systems
• Proficiency with applying and interpreting Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Experience with FEA analysis of structural performance (e.g. COMSOL, ANSYS, Solidworks)
• Experience with Solidworks PDM
• Familiarity with compressed gas delivery systems and hardware
• Proficiency with shop tools including lathes, CNC mills, drill presses, and hand tools

Benefits of joining Zap Energy - While doing meaningful work is rewarding in itself, we also offer the following programs and benefits for all employees:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Premium medical / dental / vision insurance
• Flexible vacation and paid company holidays

Zap Energy is building a low-cost, compact and scalable fusion energy platform that confines and compresses plasma without the need for expensive and complex magnetic coils. Zap’s sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch technology offers the shortest potential path to commercially viable fusion and requires orders of magnitude less capital than traditional approaches. Zap Energy has over 60 employees in two facilities near Seattle and is backed by leading financial and strategic investors.   Zap Energy is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.  

Please contact careers@zapenergyinc.com