Senior Mechanical Engineer - HTS Magnet Feeder System

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Commonwealth Fusion Systems, you will own the design and analysis process for SPARC's HTS Magnet Feeder System. Your primary responsibilities include performing thermal and structural analyses, developing technical specifications, and creating documentation necessary for manufacturing and installation. You will also liaise with other teams to ensure timely completion of project milestones and troubleshoot any production issues.

To qualify for the Senior Mechanical Engineer role at Commonwealth Fusion Systems, candidates should have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field, along with a minimum of five years of engineering design and analysis experience. It's essential to have hands-on experience with components subjected to high loads and extreme environments. Strong problem-solving skills and familiarity with the entire design process are crucial as well.

Important skills for a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Commonwealth Fusion Systems include a solid understanding of mechanical systems, static structures, and heat transfer processes. Proficiency in using analysis software, like NX, ANSYS, and COMSOL, is also valuable. Additionally, excellent communication skills are necessary for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and documenting design changes.

The Senior Mechanical Engineer position at Commonwealth Fusion Systems presents a unique opportunity to work on groundbreaking fusion energy technology, contributing to the transition to sustainable power. You will be a key player in developing designs that will evolve into critical components for fusion plants, allowing you to push the boundaries of engineering and innovation within a mission-driven environment.

Working at Commonwealth Fusion Systems as a Senior Mechanical Engineer offers a dynamic and fast-paced environment focused on innovation and collaboration. The facility presents unique industrial challenges, including exposure to strong magnets and high voltage systems. The culture emphasizes integrity, execution, and impact, fostering a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and encouraged.

In answering this question, highlight specific projects where you've performed thermal and structural analyses. Discuss the methods and software used, and any challenges faced during the process. Emphasize your ability to apply analytical techniques to ensure designs meet the necessary requirements.

Elaborate on your project management strategies, such as setting clear objectives, creating timelines, and utilizing project management tools. Discuss your collaboration with cross-functional teams and how you track progress while ensuring transparency and communication throughout the project lifecycle.

When addressing this question, share a specific instance where you encountered an unexpected challenge. Explain your systematic approach to diagnosing the problem, consulting with colleagues, and developing a solution that was efficient and effective while considering safety and production timelines.

Detail your design process, including ideation, conceptual design, validation through analysis, and producing technical documentation. Highlight how you ensure that each phase incorporates feedback and adheres to project timelines and standards.

Discuss how you integrate feedback from manufacturing and procurement teams during the design phase. Talk about your experience in identifying potential manufacturing constraints early and how you use creative thinking within those parameters to optimize designs.

When discussing your experience here, provide examples of past projects involving high-load situations, detailing the specific stresses and environmental challenges encountered. Share how you ensured the reliability and performance of the components under these conditions.

Share instances where you've collaborated with teams from different disciplines, like R&D or manufacturing. Emphasize how you facilitate clear communication through regular updates, detailed documentation, and embracing an open-door policy for brainstorming and addressing concerns.

Provide an example of a time when you needed to explain technical information to a non-expert. Highlight your ability to break down complex ideas into simpler terms and use analogies that resonate with a wider audience, showcasing your communication skills.

Discuss your strong focus on safety protocols and engineering standards. Share how you incorporate safety in your designs, assess risks, and follow best practices during the manufacturing and assembly phases to ensure a safe work environment.

Mention specific software you are proficient in, such as NX or ANSYS, and describe how you use these tools throughout the design and analysis phases. Include your experience with any other relevant tools that enhance your workflow or design efficiency.