We’re looking for a Staff Modeling and Simulation Engineer to join our design team to help build next-generation hardware. In this role, you will serve as a lead technical expert for advanced simulations, driving the predictive validation of complex hardware systems.
This role requires a high-level practitioner in multi-physics simulation who can comfortably model complex interactions across thermal, structural, fluid flow, and chemical regimes. If you enjoy solving deeply complex physics problems, applying rigorous modeling standards, and working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment to deliver first-of-a-kind hardware, this is your opportunity to make an impact.
What you'll do:
- Execute Simulation and Modeling: Lead advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for advanced processing equipment
- Run Multi-Physics Analysis: Build, run, and evaluate highly coupled simulations covering structural mechanics, high-temperature thermal management, fluid/gas flow dynamics, and chemical reaction kinetics
- Apply Engineering Best Practices: Implement engineering workflows for simulation data management, mesh convergence criteria, and rigorous verification and validation (V&V) protocols using physical test data
- Drive Design Reviews: Provide analytical leadership during technical design reviews, verifying structural margins, thermal stress distributions, and flow uniformity to guide design choices
- Collaborate & Interface: Partner closely with cross-functional teams, including Mechanical Designers, Electrical Engineers, Materials Scientists, and Chemical Specialists, to translate simulation insights into actionable hardware modifications
- Project Accountability: Own and report on modeling milestones, timelines, and computational resources to stakeholders, ensuring on-time and in-spec delivery
- Mentor Talent: Coach and mentor junior engineering staff on modeling methodologies, simulation accuracy, and the practical application of finite element principles to real-world hardware
- Get Things Done: Act with speed to solve critical engineering bottlenecks, validating design optimization paths from concept through prototype deployment
What we’re looking for:
- Education: Master’s or PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field with a heavy focus on computational mechanics and multi-physics modeling
- Experience: 10+ years of experience in simulation and predictive analysis of complex R&D systems
- Software Mastery: Advanced, hands-on expert in ANSYS, COMSOL Multi-physics, or equivalent high-end FEA/CFD simulation platforms
- Multi-Disciplinary Analytical Expertise: Proven track record of successfully running coupled simulations (e.g., fluid-structure interaction, thermal-structural behavior, and chemical reaction modeling)
- Empirical Correlation: Ability to bridge the gap between virtual models and the shop floor by validating simulation results against physical test metrics like strain gauge data, thermal imaging, and flow sensors
- Leadership: Demonstrated ability to influence hardware design direction through analytical data and lead cross-functional initiatives in a matrixed environment
Bonus points for:
- Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with applying industry codes to simulation-driven design validation
- Motion & Dynamics: Experience running transient dynamic simulations or modeling precision motion systems in extreme thermal environments
Must-have requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally
- Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, standing, sitting for extended periods of time
- Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
- Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics
Skills Required
- Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related field
- 10+ years experience in simulation and predictive analysis of complex R&D systems
- Advanced hands-on expertise in ANSYS, COMSOL Multiphysics, or equivalent high-end FEA/CFD platforms
- Proven experience running coupled multi-physics simulations (fluid-structure interaction, thermal-structural, chemical reaction modeling)
- Ability to validate simulation results against physical test metrics (strain gauges, thermal imaging, flow sensors)
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical design reviews and influence hardware design
- Implement engineering workflows for simulation data management, mesh convergence, and V&V protocols
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and perform stooping, climbing, standing, and extended sitting
- Willingness to travel and work nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
- Dedication to safety around industrial hazards (heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage/current, pressure systems, cryogenics)
- Familiarity with applying industry codes to simulation-driven design validation
- Experience with transient dynamic simulations or modeling precision motion systems in extreme thermal environments
What We Do
Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy. CFS is collaborating with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with new groundbreaking high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost. CFS is now building SPARC, the world's first commercially relevant, net energy fusion demonstration device. SPARC will pave the way for the first fusion power plant, ARC, that will produce power on the grid. The ultimate mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. CFS has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by the world’s leading investors, CFS is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. If you are interested in joining our team, check out cfs.energy/careers for more information.
