The Lead, Field Mechanical Engineering - Assembly is a hands-on leader accountable for the management, engineering oversight, and problem-solving of the most complex and unique workstations of the SPARC assembly process, particularly those centered around the vacuum vessel installations and diagnostic assemblies. You will be the central owner of the Station 3/7/9 assembly process through-and-through. As lead you will ensure the assembly plan is thorough, tools are planned form, and the necessary procedures are robust in advance of assembly. Additionally, the role will support the troubleshooting and related decision making involved with first time and repeat assembly work. As lead, the role includes the close collaboration with adjacent teams on the Assembly Team, such as creating and incorporating the new process changes with the Assembly Process team or providing the Metrology team with any assistance or tools needed for the precision alignment of coils and other key structures. At the core, your role is to keep the assembly process for your area of ownership moving smoothly all ways, managing the day-to-day changes in strategy or work orders, problem-solving and making tools, and using your engineering skills and knowledge to solve the many complex challenges that arise during the assembly process.

What you'll do:

• Lead a team of two to five field mechanical engineers to plan and deliver on near to medium-term objectives for specific workstations within the SPARC Assembly Scope
• Translate department-level strategy into actionable group objectives and manageable project timelines
• Define and optimize field engineering workflows and internal standards to improve successful solution outcome rate and team efficiency
• Oversee the full station scoping life cycle from predecessor/definition to tool and process implementation
• Establish and reinforce best practices for mechanical assembly, including standards for aligning, installation, and rework
• Manage all aspects of the group's talent, including hiring, training, and setting clear performance expectations
• Coach and mentor team members, actively contributing to their technical growth and professional career development
• Build relationships across the organization to influence design direction and resolve technical conflicts with stakeholders
• Provide design feedback to SPARC sub-system designs with a focus on manufacturing and assembly. Participate in both formal and informal design reviews to ensure what is delivered can be assembled
• Assist in the disposition and resolution of non-conformance issues on parts or the process, then working to incorporate and release red-line changes into an updated assembly sequence
• Support hands on operations during Tokamak Assembly serving a variety of roles in the process
• Work with teammates in a collaborative fashion to receive feedback early and often to ensure all requirements are met. Many SPARC projects involve high loads, vacuum requirements, and complex manipulation requiring the involvement and review of adjacent sub system experts

What we’re looking for:

• Civil, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering B.S.
• 2 years of Mechanical Engineering Experience demonstrating project ownership
• 2 years experience in management or oversight of an in-progress construction, manufacturing, or assembly/integration process
• 2 years of experience with CAD software

Bonus points for:

6+ years of Mechanical Engineering Experience demonstrating project ownership
4+ years experience in management or oversight of an in-progress construction, manufacturing, or assembly/integration process
3+ years of experience with Siemens NX
2+ years of leading construction or assembly teams on complex assembly projects
Lifting operations experience
Knowledge of welding
Knowledge of piping and tubing construction and joining
Experience with highly complex or delicate assemblies
Experience with assembly or integration in tightly packaged spaces
Experience with fast-paced and dynamic construction, manufacturing, or assembly/integration builds

Must-have Requirements:

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Perform activities such as typing, standing, stooping, climbing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally for vendor visits during tool fabrication phases
• Required onsite 5 days/week when assembly operations with relevant tools are underway, with possible first or second shift assignment
• Work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics

90000 - 145000 USD a year