Optical - Mechanical Engineers
Inertia
Other Engineering
Livermore, CA, USA
Posted on Jan 6, 2026
Location
Livermore
Employment Type
Full time
Location Type
On-site
Department
Design and Engineering
Overview:
We are seeking Opto/Mechanical Engineers to advance high power laser system design and testing capabilities for Inertia’s fusion energy program. A key element is development of the world’s highest average power pulsed lasers, which will form the ‘unit cell’ of our power plant. In partnership with industry, government and academia, we will build a demonstrator beamline to deliver 10 kJ at 10 Hz with 10% wall-plug efficiency using diode-pumped solid state laser technology (DPSSL).
These positions initially involve developing test stands for the various elements of this system, including optical and thermal tests of the amplifier, testing of the pulsed semiconductor laser diode arrays, testing high damage threshold optics, and developing methods for manufacture of a wide range of optical components.
Primary Responsibilities:
There are various positions that will incorporate some or all of the following:
Design state of the art, robust, high-stability optomechanical systems for high average power, high energy laser systems
Perform opto-mechanical analysis to optimize pointing stability, thermal drift, mounting stress
Perform heat flow, stress, birefringence analyses using FEA and CFD tools such as COMSOL / Abaqus
Create drawings using tools such as Solidworks to develop and procure optics, mechanics and support items
Develop test plans for evaluation of the designs
Work with optical and systems engineering teams to deliver integrated designs
Qualifications:
BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering or related field.
Direct design experience with precision opto-mechanical products
Strong CAD and design-for-manufacturing skills.
Hands-on experimental and prototyping experience.
Salary & Benefits:
We offer market-competitive compensation and an excellent benefits program, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, company-paid holidays, matching 401k, and more!
About Inertia:
Inertia is taking the most direct, scientifically-proven path to commercializing fusion, leveraging the only successful achievement of fusion ignition, using a process that was pioneered at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). With groundbreaking innovation, transformative technology, and multi-year investment, Inertia is committed to commercializing fusion energy in the next decade.