Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems

Pacific Fusion•Fremont, CA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

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. Why This Role Matters This role is critical to design assembly and integration for testing key components of our pulser system.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering or a related field, Master's or PhD is a plus. Alternatively, a minimum of 10 years specialized experience as a senior technician—with demonstrated responsibilities in system design, independent testing, and complex troubleshooting.
Proven expertise in high vacuum systems design, analysis, and construction.
Hands-on experience with vacuum components: chambers, pumps, seals, valves, ducts and clean room techniques.
Experience integrating electrical testing in vacuum systems and pressurized systems
Familiarity with ASME BPVC and B31.3 codes.

Nice To Haves

Experience with radioactive or toxic gas vacuum systems, novel vacuum pumps, or material characterization
Experience setting up wiring, circuits, control systems, diagnose electrical malfunctions and system failures using testing tools.
Machining and CAD design experience, CREO

Responsibilities

Design, analyze, and test advanced vacuum systems for target area chambers and diagnostics.
Select and size vacuum components, including pumps, seals, ducts, and valves, ensuring performance in particle-free cryogenic environments.
Rapid prototyping for fusion technology applications.
Lead technical and engineering activities from concept development through final onsite commissioning of vacuum equipment and systems.
Supporting high-voltage electrical switching operations and testing in a vacuum chamber
Perform experiments to characterize materials for outgassing, permeability, and vacuum compatibility.
Provide solutions to field issues related to vacuum system design and performance.
Collaborate cross-functionally to educate and negotiate design requirements within a multidisciplinary team.