Machinist & Mechanical Technician

About Acceleron Fusion

Acceleron Fusion is a venture-backed clean energy startup developing breakthrough fusion technology. Founded to commercialize Department of Energy-funded research, we recently completed our Series A funding round. We're working with leading research institutions like the Paul Scherrer Institute and Oak Ridge National Laboratory at the forefront of fusion energy innovation. Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, we are a growing startup of about 15 employees. As a key member of our small and dynamic team, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our technology and shape the future of both our company and the field of fusion energy.

About this role

Acceleron Fusion is seeking a machinist and mechanical technician to fabricate parts and build assemblies for our muon-catalyzed fusion research apparatus. The majority of our engineering and fabrication work occurs at our facility in Cambridge, MA. You will also travel with the team for several weeks out of the year to help assemble and troubleshoot our experiments at particle accelerator facilities in Switzerland, Vancouver, and New York.

What you'll do

CNC Machining and CAD/CAM

• Design tool paths and cutting strategies to fabricate complex, high-precision parts.
• Work with materials including tungsten, molybdenum, stainless steel, aluminum, Teflon, and PEEK.
• Fabricate parts using CNC and manual mills and lathes, precision grinding machines, wire EDM, laser, waterjet, and 3D printing.

Metrology and Process Development

• Develop and carry out processes for heat treating and finishing parts.
• Generate CMM programs and first‑article inspection reports; own metrology workflows for dimensional, surface‑finish, and cleanliness requirements.

Shop Management & Mentorship

• Lead setup and organization of our new machine shop.
• Keep our prototyping shop organized, stocked, and safe; lead shop clean-ups.
• Advise scientists and engineers on design-for-manufacturability.
• Train new shop users on equipment safety.
• Develop relationships with external shops; help make build vs buy decisions.

Assembly and Field Integration

• Assemble and leak-test vacuum hardware and process piping.
• Travel to partner labs to install, align, and troubleshoot mechanical systems during experimental operations.

What we're looking for

• 5 years experience programming and operating CNC machines, preferably at a startup or similar fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software.
• Certificate or associate’s degree in machining, manufacturing, mechanical engineering. technology, or a related field.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex systems.
• Demonstrated time management, communication, and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications (not required)

• Experience with Solidworks
• Proficiency with MIG/TIG or laser welding
• Experience building or troubleshooting low-voltage electronics and cable assemblies
• Hands-on familiarity with vacuum, cryogenic, or pneumatic systems

Details & Logistics:

• This is a full-time, onsite role working from our facility in Cambridge, MA. Preference will be given to candidates already in the Greater Boston area.
• Travel (including international) for several weeks per year is required.
• Our benefits package includes health & dental insurance, retirement savings with company contribution, stock options, paid time off, and 11 company holidays.
• The salary range for this role is $60K to $120K. This range represents the minimum and maximum base compensation Acceleron Fusion reasonably expects to pay for this position. The specific salary offered will be determined based on relevant factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation such as bonuses, equity, or other benefits.
• Successful applications will include pictures of parts you have made or machines you have built.

Our interview process:

• Initial video call with recruiter (30min)
• Technical video call with members of our engineering team (45min)
• In-person interview (~5hours including shop tour and lunch with co-founders)

Acceleron Fusion is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.