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, detailed structural analysis, integration, and validation of large structures, 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, mentor junior engineers, and play a vital role in driving the overall development effort
What You'll Do
- Conduct detailed design, structural analysis, and calculations for steel structures integral to our fusion demonstration system. Develop solutions that prioritize integrity, manufacturability, modularity, and durability.
- Optimize and “future-proof” critical steel hardware for cost, weight, and longevity.
- Analyze existing designs and provide recommendations for greater load-bearing capabilities, efficiency, cost savings
- Conduct design reviews and provide critical feedback to improve system performance and reliability.
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams (including electrical, manufacturing, and construction teams) to integrate system-level designs.
- Oversee the creation of detailed design documentation and specifications and ensure compliance with industry standards and codes.
- Conduct risk assessments and develop sound mitigation strategies.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering required. A Master’s Degree or PhD is a plus.
- Advanced knowledge of designing and building large structures
- 5+ years work experience as a Mechanical Engineer.
- Advanced knowledge of CAD software, such as Creo.
- Experience in the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
- 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.
Industry-competitive salary
Equity plan
6% employer 401k matching
Generous paid time off (including sick leave, vacation, paid family leave)
Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
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.
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
- Master's Degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering
- 5+ years work experience as a Mechanical Engineer
- Advanced knowledge of designing and building large structures
- Advanced knowledge of CAD software (such as Creo)
- Experience in application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- Proven track record of developing and launching successful mechanical designs
- Leadership experience with ability to mentor junior engineers
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
- Hands-on engineering design experience, rapid iteration, and lab-based problem solving
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Pacific Fusion Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Pacific Fusion and has not been reviewed or approved by Pacific Fusion.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Compensation is positioned as industry-competitive, with salary ranges described for many roles. Pay levels are framed as aligned to level and experience and are often paired with equity.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity is included across a broad set of roles, signaling accessible ownership and upside participation. This enhances total compensation beyond base salary.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with a notable employer match is consistently highlighted. This indicates meaningful support for long-term savings.
Pacific Fusion Insights
What We Do
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 pulsed magnetic 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: https://pacificfusion.com/updates/founders-letter
