Mechanical Engineering Intern (Spring 2027)
Other Engineering · Full-time
San Francisco, CA, USA
About Marathon Fusion
Marathon Fusion is building the technologies needed to make fusion practical. Our work spans high-flux fusion neutron sources for radioisotope production, fuel cycle technologies, and plant-level systems that will enable fusion power at climate-relevant scale.
We are developing compact, beam-driven fusion systems to produce radioisotopes for targeted cancer therapies and to test materials for future fusion power plants. Alongside this work, we develop stable isotope enrichment, tritium processing and recycling, and advanced blanket technologies to close the fusion fuel cycle and enable both energy generation and high-value co-products.
Founded in 2023, Marathon Fusion is advancing near-term applications of fusion in medicine and materials development while building the foundation for abundant, reliable energy in the 21st century.
Culture at Marathon Fusion
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.
Please review these points carefully before applying:
This application is exclusively for the Mechanical Engineering Intern role.
We provide both Internship and Co-op placements through this single posting.
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Application Deadline: December 2nd, 2026
Role Description:
You will join our R&D engineering team working on plasma centrifuge technology for isotope separation and the fusion fuel cycle. We are currently operating multiple working plasma centrifuge test stands spinning plasmas at 100s to 1,000s of m/s under various conditions, and have more in the detailed design stage.
Role Responsibilities:
Building, modifying, leak-checking, and maintaining high-vacuum (< 10^-7 torr) and plasma systems
Producing mechanical parts, assemblies, and drawings using 3D CAD software and communicating with vendors and machine shops to take your designs into the real world
Conducting thermal, structural, and fluid flow analysis on on your designs
Assisting scientist and engineers conducting experiments on isotope separation devices and testing sub-systems
Building and modifying high-power electrical systems (wire harnesses, diagnostic systems, and controls hardware) as well as control system software
Minimum Requirements:
Proficient with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)
Have hands-on experience in areas such as fabrication, test engineering, or vacuum systems operation
Studying mechanical or mechatronics engineering OR;
Studying electrical engineering or engineering physics with substantial mechanical design/fabrication experience OR;
Studying another engineering field or other technical field and have exceptional work ethic, eagerness to learn, and autonomy
Preferred Requirements:
Experience with GD&T best practices
Experience with high vacuum systems
Experience working with compressed and flammable gases
Experience with plasmas
Small-scale experiment development
Soft Skills:
Excellent written and oral communication
Ability to think holistically about systems
Capacity to learn new technical subjects quickly, collaborate cross-functionally, and consider problems from inter-disciplinary perspectives
Organization and project management
A high degree of conscientiousness and integrity
Long-term vision while executing short-term goals
Comfort with the inherent uncertainty of breakthrough technology
Experimental mindset, ability to form and test hypotheses
Additional Desired Skills:
Plasma physics
Vacuum systems
High-power battery systems
High-voltage engineering
Isotope separation systems
Fabrication for scientific applications
Python programming
LabVIEW programming
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.