Principal Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum

Location: Milpitas, California, United States; on-site

Salary: $150,000–$225,000 per year, plus equity and benefits

Company

hirify.global Systems develops commercially viable fusion power plants and the equipment needed to support the fusion energy industry.

What you will do

• Lead the design, integration, and validation of advanced R&D processing and thermal vacuum equipment.
• Define system-level requirements and mechanical architecture connecting precision to product quality.
• Lead mechanical system and subsystem design reviews with a focus on manufacturability and design best practices.
• Collaborate with scientists, vacuum specialists, electrical engineers, and other cross-functional stakeholders.
• Drive projects from concept through assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and implementation.
• Mentor engineering staff and report project milestones to stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent industrial experience.
• 15+ years of experience designing and implementing complex R&D systems or semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
• Expertise in high-temperature structural design, thermal management, and vacuum architecture, including outgassing, seals, and pump-down optimization.
• Proficiency with 3D modeling tools such as SolidWorks or NX and FEA/thermal simulation tools such as COMSOL or ANSYS.
• Hands-on experience with manual or CNC machining, prototyping, hardware troubleshooting, and specialized vendor qualification.
• Ability to work on-site, lift up to 25 lbs occasionally, perform physical activities such as standing and climbing, and occasionally travel or work nights, weekends, or on-call shifts.

Nice to have

• Experience designing or integrating roll-to-roll systems for material processing.
• Semiconductor R&D or thin-film deposition equipment experience.
• Knowledge of SEMI, ASME, ASTM, and other mechanical standards.
• Experience designing precision motion-control and motor-controlled systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Equity and competitive compensation.
• 13 company-wide holidays, flexible vacation days, and 10 sick days.
• Generous parental leave and health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with employer matching and professional growth opportunities.
• Safety-focused work addressing hazards including heat, fumes, high voltage, pressure systems, strong magnets, and cryogenics.