Lead Vacuum Systems Engineer

Join us in our mission to commercialize fusion energy ️  

We’re all about solving climate change through fusion energy, one stellarator at a time. Our impressive team of globally recognized fusion scientists along with veteran business leaders with experienced in scaling energy technologies, came together with the ambition to fulfill the bold decadal vision of commercial fusion.

If changing the world wasn’t incentive enough, here’s why you should join us:

We designed, built, and operated the world’s leading stellarators.

We aim to commercialize fusion energy in 10 years.

We know what we’re doing - our leadership team has over 150 years of experience combined.

We’ve already been recognized for our work by the Department of Energy through awards and funding.

Our philosophy accepts no intellectual boundaries and celebrates creativity. 

If you are searching for the best new ideas and share our vision, join us as a “Lead Vacuum Systems Engineer”. This is what you need to know:

Location: Knoxville TN, Boston (Woburn), Madison WI or Vancouver (BC)

Salary: Highly Competitive Plus Benefits

Contract: Permanent, full time

Reporting to: Director of Thermofluids Engineering

Your role in the mission:

Type One Energy are looking for a Lead Vacuum Systems Engineer to drive the end-to-end design, integration, and optimization of complex vacuum systems for our stellarator fusion energy systems.

In this role, you will serve as the technical lead for vacuum systems across critical programs, ensuring robust performance in complex technical environments. This position is ideal for someone who thrives on solving complex engineering problems and leading multidisciplinary efforts from concept through commissioning.

You will play a key technical leadership role in developing ultra-high vacuum environments critical to plasma confinement and machine performance.

• Own the architecture, design, and system-level integration of advanced vacuum systems, from initial concept through operational deployment.
• Lead the vacuum system architecture for stellarator devices, including chamber design, pumping strategy, outgassing mitigation, and integration with magnetic and structural systems.
• Define system requirements and translate them into detailed specifications for vacuum components, assemblies, and controls.
• Lead vacuum-related trade studies, risk analyses, and system-level design reviews.
• Collaborate closely with plasma physics, magnet systems, cryogenics, and structural teams to ensure coherent integration of the vacuum envelope within the stellarator geometry.
• Interface with mechanical, electrical, controls, thermal, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration across subsystems.
• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for vacuum engineering, mentoring junior engineers and reviewing their work for technical accuracy.
• Ensure all vacuum system designs meet industry and safety standards, including cleanliness, material compatibility, and reliability requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and implement best practices for vacuum system design and maintenance.

What you’ll need:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline (PhD is a plus).
  
• 10 plus years of experience in vacuum system design, preferably in complex, multidisciplinary environments.
  
• Proven experience leading vacuum system integration projects in high-performance environments (e.g., semiconductor, aerospace, nuclear, or research labs).
  
• Strong understanding of complex 3D geometries and their implications for vacuum system design, especially in the presence of strong magnetic fields
  
• Direct experience with tritium and/or other radiological aspects of vacuum systems is strongly desired.
• Proficient with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, NX) and simulation software relevant to vacuum engineering.
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to communicate effectively across technical and non-technical audiences.

We offer:

In addition to a basic salary and yearly bonus, you will also get…

• Stock and share options
• Relocation allowance
• Insurance plans
• 401k retirement options
• And many more great voluntary benefits

Embrace the mission by submitting your application on our careers page, then head over to our website to learn more about the revolutionary team behind Stellarator technology.

About Type One Energy

Type One Energy Group is mission-driven to provide sustainable, affordable fusion power to the world. Established in 2019 and venture-backed in 2023, the company is led by a team of globally recognized fusion scientists with a strong track record of building state-of-the-art stellarator fusion machines, together with veteran business leaders experienced in scaling companies and commercializing energy technologies. Type One Energy applies proven advanced manufacturing methods, modern computational physics and high-field superconducting magnets to develop its optimized stellarator fusion energy system. Its FusionDirect development program pursues the lowest-risk, shortest-schedule path to a fusion power plant over the coming decade, using a partner-intensive and capital-efficient strategy. Type One Energy is committed to community engagement in the development and deployment of its clean energy technology. For more information, visit www.typeoneenergy.com.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Type One Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity, searching for the best new ideas and remaining open to unique perspectives. Therefore, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment independent of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.