Staff Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

$130K — $200K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or similar with focus on computational mechanics and multi-physics modeling
  • 10+ years of experience in simulation and predictive analysis of complex R&D systems
  • Advanced proficiency in ANSYS, COMSOL Multi-physics, or equivalent FEA/CFD simulation platforms
  • Proven ability to run coupled simulations including fluid-structure interaction and thermal-structural behavior
  • Skill in validating simulation results against physical test metrics
  • Demonstrated leadership in influencing hardware design direction and leading cross-functional initiatives

Responsibilities

  • Lead advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for advanced processing equipment
  • Build, run, and evaluate complex multi-physics simulations
  • Implement engineering workflows for simulation data management and rigorous V&V protocols
  • Provide analytical leadership during design reviews to guide design decisions
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate simulation insights into hardware modifications
  • Own and report on modeling milestones and project accountability
  • Mentor junior staff on simulation methodologies and finite element principles

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation with equity
  • 13 Company-wide Holidays
  • Flexible vacation days
  • 10 sick days
  • Generous parental leave policy
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with employer matching
  • Professional growth opportunities
  • Team-building activities
Full Job Description
Join the power movement as a Staff Modeling and Simulation Engineer

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


$130,000 - $200,000 a year

Salary range for this full-time position + equity + benefits. The actual salary will depend on level, location, qualifications, and experience. The range displayed on each job posting reflects new hire salaries for the position across all US locations.

Benefits include:

Competitive compensation with equity

13 Company-wide Holidays

Flexible vacation days

10 sick days

Generous parental leave policy

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Professional growth opportunities

Team-building activities

At CFS, we excel in fast-paced environments, driven by our values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique. As we grow, we're eager to bring on mission-driven folks who offer diverse perspectives and fresh ways to tackle challenges.

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