R&D Engineer

Cambridge Heavy Industries Our Tech Why Tritium Team Careers Contact KNOWLEDGE BASE Back to all careers R&D Engineer location Cambridge, MA Reports to CEO Work Model On-site Compensation $130k - $180k + equity About Cambridge Industries Cambridge Heavy Industries (CHI) is building compact, benchtop-scale fusion reactors. Using synchronized multi-ring laser shocks developed over two decades in Prof. Keith Nelson’s lab at MIT, our system achieves more than 400x higher compression efficiency than conventional laser fusion, with off-the-shelf components. Neutrons are our first product, serving markets that pay well before energy breakeven: isotope production (including tritium and medical isotopes), neutron imaging and testing, heat-management qualification, reactor-material testing – with the ultimate goal of energy production. CHI is based at The Engine in Cambridge, MA. The Opportunity CHI is hiring an R&D Engineer to lead the construction of our laser-optical systems, target design and characterization, and experimental work in high-pressure and high-temperature physics. You will work across experiment, computation, mechanical engineering, and materials as we develop CHI's fusion platform. Responsibilities Laser Systems Lead the construction of CHI's laser-optical systems to induce high pressure and temperature. Targets & Diagnostics Support target design and characterization using time-resolved diagnostics including high-speed imaging, interferometry, and spectroscopies (optical, neutron, or X-ray). Modeling & Engineering Collaborate with computational physicists on modeling and performance optimization. Collaborate with mechanical and material engineers on the sample chamber design and material processing. Qualifications Required PhD in physics with specialization in laser optics, plasma physics, high-energy-density physics, or a related field. Hands-on experience with high-power lasers, ultrafast spectroscopy, and material characterization tools. Experience in shock physics. Experience in, or readiness to learn, particle-in-cell or hydrocode simulations. Working Style Versatile. You can wear different hats and thrive in a zero-to-one startup environment. Builder. You write the first playbook rather than wait for one. Location In-person at The Engine, 750 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, with up to 30% travel expected (may change) Compensation and benefits Base salary of $130K - $180K plus meaningful early-stage equity. Medical, dental, and vision coverage Application We choose to go to the Moon. Join us, would you? Send a resume and a short note to careers@cambridgeheavy.xyz Cambridge Heavy Industries is an equal opportunity employer. We hire and promote on the basis of merit, qualifications, and the company’s needs, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. © 2026 Cambridge Heavy Industries Careers Knowledge Base Contact