Senior Mechanical Engineer
Pacific Fusion
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Pacific Fusion
Modular pulsed-fusion energy system
Pacific Fusion was founded in 2023 with the mission to power the world with abundant, affordable, clean energy.
We are rapidly designing and building a pulser-driven inertial fusion system to achieve net facility gain (more fusion energy output than stored energy input). In parallel, we are developing the key components required to build affordable fusion systems.
Our plans are ambitious. We have raised over $900M so far from incredible investors, resourcing us to deliver on these plans. We are bringing together the best scientists, engineers, and operators from the fusion community, hard tech industry, and other sectors. We are united by a shared sense of urgency to provide clean power for the world, particularly managing climate change while meeting growing global energy demand. You can read more about us in this letter from our founders.
Pacific Fusion is seeking an exceptional Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our dynamic team and create the path to commercial fusion energy. You will lead the design, development, and validation of mechanical components and systems integral to our advanced fusion energy systems. This role requires a top-tier combination of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a proactive mindset to meet the exciting challenges in the field of fusion energy. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will lead collaborative and challenging projects and play a vital role in driving the overall development effort.
Develop innovative mechanical designs for complex engineering problems while adhering to ambitious timelines.
Lead the implementation of design changes and improvements across our systems.
Work closely with vendors and manufacturers to ensure designs are practical, cost-effective, and manufacturable.
Provide structural mechanical analysis on various systems.
Conduct design reviews and provide critical feedback to improve system performance and reliability.
Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams (including electrical, software, and manufacturing engineers) to integrate system-level designs.
Oversee the creation of detailed design documentation and specifications.
Stay current with industry trends and advancements in mechanical design and manufacturing technologies.
Participate in risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering required. A Master’s Degree or PhD is a plus.
6+ years work experience as a Mechanical Engineer
Advanced knowledge of CAD software, Creo being preferred
Experience in the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and/or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
Proven track record of developing and launching successful mechanical designs.
Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and guide junior engineers.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and DFM (Design for Manufacturability).
Excellent problem-solving skills, with a strong attention to detail.
Experience in hands-on engineering design, rapid iteration, and creative problem solving in a laboratory setting.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Actual base salary offered will be determined by: experience, skills, and work location. This range is for base salary, our total compensation includes equity and benefits. We welcome you to apply even if your expectations are outside our listed range.
Pacific Fusion is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Pacific Fusion is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures and throughout employment. If you need assistance or any accommodation, please let us know.
This position may require access to information or technology that is subject to U.S. export control laws, such as ITAR or EAR. Under these regulations, we are required to ensure that such access is provided only to individuals who are classified as 'U.S. Persons.'This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
RECRUITING AGENCIES
Pacific Fusion does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies without a fully executed recruitment agreement in place. In the absence of such agreement, Pacific Fusion reserves the right to pursue and hire any candidates without an obligation to pay fees. Agencies are requested not to contact Pacific Fusion hiring managers or employees regarding recruiting services.
Pay Range: 156500 - 234800 USD
Modular pulsed-fusion energy system
Pacific Fusion works to develop commercially viable nuclear fusion energy. It uses pulsed magnetic inertial fusion to squeeze and heat small deuterium-tritium fuel capsules with fast, high-current pulses inside a compact fusion chamber, aiming to achieve net energy gain where the output exceeds the input. The system is highly modular: a fast electric pulser built from thousands of identical parts, a small fusion chamber, and many tiny fuel containers, enabling affordable manufacturing, rapid iteration, and simpler supply chains. This focus on practical economics helps distinguish it from competitors that may pursue less manufacturable designs. The company’s goal is to deliver limitless, clean, on-demand power to meet growing global energy demand and help address climate change.
Explore more opportunities at Pacific Fusion