Optics Manufacturing Development Engineer

Livermore on site Until 9/19/2026 7+ years exp First posted July 21, 2026 Last posted July 21, 2026
Job description

Overview:

At Inertia, we plan to build the world’s largest laser to initiate the world’s first fusion power plant. We need talented engineers to take on the challenge of scaling up various optical components (laser glass and optics, traditional lens, micro lens array, etc.) to unprecedented volume to supply the laser system.

This role will be critical to evaluate feasibility of suppliers, bring up pilot production, and scale up to production volume to supply the fusion power plant.

The role will report to the VP of Industrial Engineering.

What You'll Get To Do:

  • Engage internal design teams to consolidate all design requirements, and document the requirements for vendor engagement.

  • Engage suppliers for feasibility, scale, and cost deep dives

  • Monitor pilot production bring up

  • Establish manufacturing best practices

  • Collaborate with quality engineering to implement production quality control

  • Yield analysis and failure analysis

What You Bring:

  • B.S. with 10 years of experience, or M.S. with 7 years of experience

  • Experience with glass and ceramic fabrication processes a must

  • High volume manufacturing development experience a must

  • Experience with production quality control a must

Salary & Benefits:

  • The base salary range for this role is $165,000 - $225,000; The pay range provided is an estimated base range for this role. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and education.

  • We offer market-competitive compensation and an excellent benefits program, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, company-paid holidays, matching 401k, and more!


About Inertia:

Inertia is taking the most direct, scientifically-proven path to commercializing fusion, leveraging the only successful achievement of fusion ignition, using a process that was pioneered at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). With groundbreaking innovation, transformative technology, and multi-year investment, Inertia is committed to commercializing fusion energy in the next decade.

About this role

Summary

Develop and scale manufacturing processes for optical components for fusion laser systems.

Job title

Optics Manufacturing Development Engineer

Experience level

10+ years or 7+ years with master's degree

Minimum experience

7+ years exp

Industry

software

Location requirements

Livermore; remote work not specified

Salary

$165k–$225k

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

glass fabricationceramicshigh volume manufacturingquality controlfeasibility analysis

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

opticsglass fabricationceramicshigh volume manufacturingquality control
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Livermore, CA, USA

On-site City