AcceleRAD is the world’s leading supplier of linear particle accelerator systems. As a vertically integrated design and manufacturing company, we turn difficult engineering problems into working hardware every day. We are a small, highly technical team, so engineers have real ownership and are able to work across disciplines. Our systems combine electron beams, RF, high voltage, vacuum, precision mechanical design, controls, thermal management, material handling, and radiation shielding, creating an unusually broad range of interesting problems to solve. We value engineers who are curious, practical, willing to get their hands dirty, and excited to turn good ideas into real products.
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to design and lead the development of accelerator hardware and related high-performance mechanical systems.
Description
This is not a traditional CAD-focused position. We are seeking an engineer with a strong understanding of how complex hardware systems are designed, built, and brought into production. The ideal candidate can independently lead challenging engineering projects from initial requirements and concept development through design, fabrication, assembly, testing, and manufacturing.
In this role, the engineer will contribute to the development of electron accelerator structures and supporting systems, including vacuum, RF, cooling, structural, and mechanical components. Success requires extensive hands-on experience with manufacturing and fabrication processes such as precision machining, brazing, welding, vacuum system construction, and high-precision assembly.
The ideal candidate combines strong engineering fundamentals with practical manufacturing expertise and a proven ability to transform innovative concepts into reliable, production-ready hardware.
Duties and Responsibilities
· Lead mechanical design of accelerator components and subsystems from initial concept through production.
· Design accelerator structures, vacuum assemblies, RF components, cooling circuits, mechanical supports, fixtures, and related hardware.
· Develop designs appropriate for high-vacuum and RF applications.
· Design components and assemblies for vacuum brazing, furnace brazing, welding, machining, and other specialized manufacturing processes.
· Develop manufacturing strategies, tolerances, assembly sequences, fixtures, and inspection methods.
· Perform or direct structural, thermal, tolerance, fluid-flow, and other engineering analyses.
· Work directly with machine shops, brazing houses, welders, vacuum vendors, and other specialty suppliers.
· Evaluate manufacturing problems and make technically sound decisions regarding rework, repair, acceptance, or redesign.
· Develop and execute prototype and qualification testing.
· Troubleshoot mechanical, thermal, vacuum, and manufacturing problems on operating systems.
· Lead design reviews and identify technical risks before hardware is built.
· Own projects or major subsystems, including technical requirements, schedules, vendors, documentation, testing, and delivery.
· Mentor junior engineers and review their designs and drawings.
· Improve AcceleRAD design standards and manufacturing processes based on lessons learned.
Qualifications
· B.S. or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
· 5 – 7 years of progressive professional mechanical engineering experience, preferably involving complex electromechanical, vacuum, RF, scientific, semiconductor, aerospace, or accelerator hardware.
· Demonstrated ability to independently lead substantial engineering projects.
· Strong mechanical design and analytical skills.
· Excellent understanding of machining, tolerancing, materials, joining processes, and practical manufacturing.
· Significant experience with several of the following: high-vacuum systems, vacuum brazing, copper brazing, welding, precision machined assemblies, cooling passages and thermal management, vacuum seals and feedthroughs, or RF/microwave hardware.
· Strong knowledge of GD&T and tolerance stack-up.
· Ability to distinguish between calculations that require detailed analysis and problems that can be solved with good engineering judgment and first-principles estimates.
· Comfortable personally troubleshooting hardware in a laboratory or production environment.
Preferred
· Electron accelerators or linear accelerators.
· Microwave tubes or RF vacuum electronics.
· Copper RF structures.
· High-power RF hardware.
· Ultra-high-vacuum systems.
· Vacuum furnace brazing.
· Electron-beam welding.
· Semiconductor capital equipment.
· Scientific instrumentation or particle physics equipment.
· Automation and robotics.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
· Primarily onsite work in an engineering, laboratory, manufacturing, and office environment.
· Frequent use of computer and engineering software; regular interaction with laboratory and production hardware.
· Ability to move throughout the facility and, when required, travel to suppliers or customer sites.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
Primarily onsite work in an engineering, laboratory, manufacturing, and office environment.
Frequent use of computer and engineering software; regular interaction with laboratory and production hardware.
Ability to move throughout the facility and, when required, travel to suppliers or customer sites.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements: This position is primarily based in a manufacturing environment and involves working with furnace, brazing, and vacuum equipment. Occasional support may also be required in the warehouse and shipping/receiving areas.
The majority of work is performed in a manufacturing facility. The employee will frequently sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or maintain balance, and use hands and fingers for grasping and handling materials. The position requires the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
Employees will frequently perform physical activities such as bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, squatting, kneeling, crawling, and climbing. Regular use of a computer, telephone, and writing instruments is required, and employees may spend extended periods standing while conducting presentations or training.
While performing job duties, employees may occasionally be exposed to moving mechanical equipment and industrial vehicles. The manufacturing environment has a high noise level, while office areas are typically quiet to moderately noisy.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Pay: $105,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
