Mechanical Engineer – Design & Simulation (f/m/d)

ep-tech company based in Germany and the US, working to commercialize laser-driven nuclear fusion. Our mission is to provide clean, safe, and virtually unlimited energy to the world. We are rapidly scaling and looking for talented individuals who thrive in building clarity and structure within fast-growing environments. About the Role As a Mechanical Engineer – Design & Simulation, you’ll perform engineering analysis and simulation work across Focused Energy projects, helping design and validate complex mechanical systems before hardware is committed. You’ll provide the analytical confidence needed to make sound design decisions across structural, thermal, dynamic, and fluid-system performance. Working closely with senior mechanical engineers, systems engineers, project teams, and other engineering disciplines, you’ll use modelling and simulation to identify design risks early, recommend mitigations, and ensure mechanical designs are technically sound, manufacturable, safe, and ready for integration. Your work will contribute to systems including vacuum chambers, laser integration, diagnostic structures, and facility infrastructure. What You’ll Do Perform structural, mechanical, and thermal analysis using FEA tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, COMSOL, or equivalent.Carry out fluid-system analysis and thermal modelling to support mechanical design decisions.Assess vibration, stability, and dynamic behaviour of mechanical assemblies and identify potential design risks.Validate simulation outputs against design requirements, engineering standards, and expected operating conditions.Translate analysis results into practical design recommendations that improve performance, safety, manufacturability, and system compatibility.Develop and maintain 3D CAD models and engineering drawings using Autodesk Inventor or a similar tool.Define and execute verification activities, prepare analysis reports, and provide simulation evidence for design reviews.Collaborate with mechanical, systems, and project engineering teams to define interfaces, communicate results, and support multidisciplinary design decisions. Who You Are You are an analytical and technically rigorous mechanical engineer who enjoys solving complex engineering problems through modelling and simulation.You take a methodical approach to setting up analyses, checking assumptions, interpreting results, and documenting conclusions.You can translate complex simulation outputs into clear, actionable engineering decisions.You identify design risks early and proactively propose practical mitigation strategies.You communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, adapting the level of detail to the audience.You collaborate effectively across mechanical, systems, and project engineering disciplines.You take ownership of the quality, traceability, and accuracy of your analysis work and design evidence.You are detail-oriented and committed to applying sound engineering fundamentals and standards consistently. Desirable Skills & Knowledge Experience performing structural, thermal, dynamic, and fluid-system analysis in a professional mechanical engineering environment.Proficiency with FEA tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, COMSOL, or equivalent, together with experience validating and documenting simulation results.Experience with 3D CAD tools, preferably Autodesk Inventor, and the ability to connect analysis outputs with practical mechanical design decisions.Knowledge of CFD tools such as ANSYS Fluent or OpenFOAM, vacuum or cryogenic mechanical systems, laser or optical integration, or scientific instrumentation.Familiarity with design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA), prototype build and commissioning support, verification planning, and engineering documentation in experimental or multidisciplinary environments. Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits. Skills: Engineering