Manager, Mechanical Engineering

About the Company

Our client is creating the world’s first fusion energy power plant in the Seattle metro area. 

Their mission is to enable a future with unlimited clean electricity. They’re creating a world with clean, reliable, and affordable energy for everyone. 

With over $1 billion raised from long-time investors such as Sam Altman and Capricorn Investment Group, they’re in a position to do something no company has done before. Their last prototype completed 10,000 high-power pulses and reached plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius (9 keV). The latest prototype is underway, and we’re searching for a mechanical engineering leader to be integral to its success.

This is a pivotal time to join this team. You will tackle real-world challenges with a team that prizes urgency, rigor, ownership, and a commitment to delivering hard truths – values essential to achieving what no one has before. Together, you will change the future of energy, because the world can't wait.

About the Role

You will lead the mechanical hardware design efforts for our client’s fusion devices. 

Your role will focus on solving complex, high-impact problems that influence system performance, while also growing a high-performing engineering team. You will establish technical standards, drive execution, and shape design processes to increase the speed and quality of innovation. 

Responsibilities

• Grow and mentor a team of multidisciplinary mechanical engineers

• Oversee design of machine architecture, high-performance magnets, support structures, fuel systems, thermal management systems, and vacuum systems

• Drive schedule ownership and optimization across the team to accelerate milestones

• Lead design, analysis, and manufacturing process improvements to increase throughput

• Collaborate with Research, Science, Electrical, and Controls teams to derive requirements and meet program goals

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

• 5 years of engineering experience, including 2 years in an engineering management role

• Demonstrated ability to grow engineers and impact career development

• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams with full-scope project ownership

• Proven ability to manage complex engineering projects with schedule accountability

• Hands-on exposure to multiple engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, and fluids

• Ability to apply engineering first-principles and structured problem-solving to technical challenges

Logistical Requirements

• This is an onsite role in the Seattle metro area. 

• You will report to the Senior Manager of Engineering.

Compensation

Our client’s compensation package includes a competitively benchmarked base salary, meaningful equity grants, and comprehensive benefits. Final compensation is determined through a holistic evaluation of your experience, qualifications, and their commitment to internal equity - ensuring fairness and transparency across our teams. They’re committed to fostering a fair and equitable environment in every aspect of our operations, including compensation.

• Annual Base Pay: $170,000 - $200,000 USD

• This is an exempt salaried role.

Benefits

The total compensation package includes benefits, including but not limited to: 

•    Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and their families 

•    31 days of PTO (21 vacation days and 10 sick days) 

•    10 paid holidays, plus company-wide winter break 

•    Up to 5% employer 401(k) match 

•    Short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance 

•    Paid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks) 

•    Annual wellness stipend  

Equal Opportunity

Our client is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the interview process, please let them know.

About AdAstra

AdAstra Talent Advisors is a headhunting and talent advising firm focused on the Climate, Space, and Defense sectors of Hard Tech. We specialize in pairing highly technical and executive talent with some of the world’s leading Hard Tech startups.

At AdAstra, we catalyze the innovations that future generations depend on by placing the right people in the right seats. Our dedicated work enables inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars. And it’s all because of trailblazing talent like you - those driven to do what’s never been done before. 

We care about long term relationships with both candidates and companies. Even if the role we initially discuss isn’t a perfect fit, it’s likely we’ll have something relevant to share with you in the future. 

Join us on our journey by following along via LinkedIn!

CEO, Seyka Mejeur  |  LinkedIn profile

CTO / COO, Brian Mejeur  |  LinkedIn profile

AdAstra Talent Advisors  |  LinkedIn profile

AdAstra Website