Posted on:July 20, 2026

Optics Manufacturing Development Engineer at Inertia

Inertia is hiring a Optics Manufacturing Development Engineer in Livermore, CA, US. On-site. Pay: USD 165k-225k/yr.

About Inertia

Inertia is a commercial fusion energy company. It is developing a laser-based fusion power system, including high-power modular lasers, mass-produced fusion fuel targets, and gigawatt-scale power plants, based on the fusion ignition approach demonstrated at the U.S. National Ignition Facility. The company aims to commercialize fusion energy within the next decade.

Optics Manufacturing Development Engineer 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 to Inertia

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

  • Experience with glass and ceramic fabrication processes.

  • High volume manufacturing development experience.

  • Experience with production quality control.

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.

This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls, security classification and/or designation as Controlled Unclassified Information. Employment in this position is conditioned on the candidate’s eligibility for, obtaining and maintaining appropriate government authorization to access technology or information, to the extent required, including without limitation a security clearance, export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items technology or information.

Apply now

Applications go straight to Inertia. We never sit between you and the employer.

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