Marathon Fusion is building the engineering technologies needed to scale fusion from breakeven experiments into real power plants. While much of the industry is focused on proving new fusion devices, our focus is on the practical systems that will make fusion deployable at climate-relevant scale.
We develop core fuel cycle and plant-level technologies for stable isotope production, fuel cycle closure, and advanced blanket systems that enable both energy generation and high-value co-products.
Founded in 2023, Marathon Fusion is building the components and systems that will help fusion become a practical, abundant, and reliable energy source for the 21st century.
We are a startup environment characterized by a need for focus, adaptability and prioritization in a shifting landscape. Thriving in this environment requires excellent proactive communication across roles and backgrounds, the ability to build and maintain trust between team members, and the willingness to learn and develop new skills on the job. We place particularly high weight on each team member's ability to be self-directed.
About the RoleWe're looking for an engineer/scientist to lead the development of cutting-edge breeding blanket systems for fusion reactors. You’ll take a systems view of blanket development, integrating a deep understanding of the relevant physics (neutron transport, gamma heating, thermo-fluids, structural) with a rigorous analysis of requirements to optimize blanket designs for safety, reliability, profitability, and deployment speed. Your holistic approach to designing blanket systems will help make self-sustaining fusion reactors economically attractive, and take the fusion industry one step closer to powering the future of clean energy.
What You’ll DoDesign cutting edge breeding blankets that meet the wide range of technical requirements for profitable operation of near-term fusion power plants
Use appropriate modeling tools, ranging from reduced order analytical models to multiphysics simulations, to quickly sweep through the vast space of potential blanket designs and uncover promising development directions
Develop sequential test plans to guide laboratory work that focuses on answering the most critical technical questions in order of importance
Build upon the state-of-the-art of fusion power plant blanket design via a thorough literature review and analysis of related fields
Determine likely regulatory requirements based on a careful reading of analogous codes and standards (NRC, ASTM, etc)
Design for safety and reliability using engineering using best practices (FMEA, HALT, etc)
What You BringAn MS or PhD in a relevant field (likely Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering)
3+ years of work experience on top of academic training
Experience with fusion reactors, next-generation fission reactors (small modular reactors, molten salt reactors, etc) and/or accelerators
Familiarity with a wide variety of modeling tools including some subset of neutronics, CFD, FEA, and/or atmospheric dispersion modeling
Demonstrated track record of deploying safety-critical systems in the lab or the field
Compensation and BenefitsOur compensation for this role is purposefully wide to encompass a variety of levels we're willing to hire. Your final compensation package will be determined by an evaluation of your experience and qualifications. All full-time employees receive equity as part of their compensation.
We're proud to offer the following benefits:Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Generous paid time off and sick leave
401(k) plan with 4% employer match
Commuter benefits
Fully stocked kitchen
This role is open to applicants who require relocation to the Bay Area and is supported with a $5,000 relocation reimbursement.
Marathon Fusion considers all qualified applicants equally for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
Compensation Range: $160K - $210K
Read LessMarathon Fusion is building the engineering technologies needed to scale fusion from breakeven experiments into real power plants. While much of the industry is focused on proving new fusion devices, our focus is on the practical systems that will make fusion deployable at climate-relevant scale.
We develop core fuel cycle and plant-level technologies for stable isotope production, fuel cycle closure, and advanced blanket systems that enable both energy generation and high-value co-products.
Founded in 2023, Marathon Fusion is building the components and systems that will help fusion become a practical, abundant, and reliable energy source for the 21st century.
We are a startup environment characterized by a need for focus, adaptability and prioritization in a shifting landscape. Thriving in this environment requires excellent proactive communication across roles and backgrounds, the ability to build and maintain trust between team members, and the willingness to learn and develop new skills on the job. We place particularly high weight on each team member's ability to be self-directed.
About the RoleAs a Senior Mechanical Engineer on the Lithium Team, you’ll work closely with electrical and mechanical engineers, physicists, and scientists to prototype, test, and deploy solutions in the pursuit of advancing the development of the fusion fuel cycle. With your hands-on experience designing and testing electromechanical systems, you’ll play a pivotal role in the development and iteration of a first of kind isotope separation device.
What You’ll DoLead the iterative design and improvement of an isotope separation system, driving toward robust, scalable deployment.
Prototype, test, and troubleshoot components and integrated systems in close collaboration with other engineers, physicists, and technicians.
Develop first-principles understanding of key physical processes and guide improvements based on experimental data and literature.
Document experimental results and decisions clearly to inform design iterations and process development.
Mentor and support junior engineers, fostering technical growth and strong engineering judgment on the team.
What You BringB.S. or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
5+ years of experience in designing, prototyping, and testing of electromechanical systems.
Demonstrated experience with high vacuum, high temperature, and/or with reactive material systems (e.g lithium, liquid metals, or molten salts).
Strong experimental skills and ability to draw insights from physical systems. Bonus if you’ve led large scale or complex designs and experiments.
Proficiency in mechanical design, including CAD, GD&T, and DFM best practices.
Preferred Experience, But Not RequiredExperience in electric propulsion systems (Hall thrusters) and developing in an experimental R&D setting.
Experience with handling, containment, or processing of reactive materials.
Success in mentoring interns and new grads.
Experience in a start up or a similarly fast paced environment.
Compensation and BenefitsOur compensation for this role is purposefully wide to encompass a variety of levels we're willing to hire. Your final compensation package will be determined by an evaluation of your experience and qualifications. All full-time employees receive equity as part of their compensation.
We're proud to offer the following benefits:Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Generous paid time off and sick leave
401(k) plan with 4% employer match
Commuter benefits
Fully stocked kitchen
This role is open to applicants who require relocation to the Bay Area and is supported with a $5,000 relocation reimbursement.
Marathon Fusion considers all qualified applicants equally for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
Compensation Range: $115K - $170K
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