Mechanical Engineer - Pulsed Power

Pacific Fusion•Fremont, CA

11d•$115,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

Pacific Fusion is seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Engineer to design, build, operate, and advance their pulsed power systems, which are the core of their experimental fusion platform. This role is deeply hands-on and multidisciplinary, requiring expertise across high-voltage systems, controls, diagnostics, and data analysis. The ideal candidate will combine strong technical depth with the ability to lead R&D workflows, collaborate across disciplines, and take ownership of system performance and development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
2+ years of demonstrated experience designing complex systems.
Experience designing, developing, testing and building prototype mechanical/electrical systems.
Proven ability to deliver complex R&D projects on schedule, from concept to prototype to validation.
Strong background in electronic design, control systems, and PLC software development.
Proficiency in circuit simulations (e.g., SPICE, PSCAD, COMSOL, or similar) and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools.
Familiarity with engineering modeling and CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, ANSYS, or COMSOL Multiphysics).

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
Prior experience with high-voltage pulsed systems for fusion, plasma research, or accelerator applications.
Hands-on experience integrating diagnostics and controls for high-energy experiments.
Knowledge of safety standards and best practices in high-voltage or high-energy environments.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and operate pulsed power systems, including high-voltage and high-current architectures, control systems for pulsed power operation, safety, and automation.
Operate pulsed power systems during testing and data acquisition campaigns, including occasional work outside regular business hours.
Ensure safe, reliable operation of high-energy systems in accordance with company safety protocols.
Acquire, process, and analyze data from pulsed power experiments to evaluate system performance and stability.
Develop tools and workflows for data collection, visualization, and interpretation.
Translate experimental results into actionable insights for next-generation pulser design.
Take ownership of pulsed power subsystem advancement and roadmap execution.
Lead design reviews, experimental planning, and technical documentation.
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and plasma physics teams to iterate and improve designs.
Drive continuous improvement in reliability, efficiency, and diagnostic capability.