Senior Mechanical Engineer
About The Position
Pacific Fusion is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to help develop a path to commercial fusion energy. The role covers design, analysis, integration, and validation of mechanical systems and components across the company’s advanced fusion energy platform. It combines precision engineering with first-of-kind technology and calls for deep technical expertise and creative problem-solving. The engineer will lead collaborative projects, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to the broader development effort. The work includes developing and improving mechanical designs for fusion systems, taking components from concept through fabrication and testing, and coordinating with vendors, manufacturers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams. The engineer will also validate designs through analysis and reviews, produce detailed design documentation, and contribute to risk assessment and mitigation for novel engineering challenges.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- At least 5 years of experience as a Mechanical Engineer, ideally working with complex, multidisciplinary systems.
- Proficiency in CAD software such as Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent, with strong 3D modeling habits.
- Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural, thermal, or dynamic applications.
- Proven ability to take mechanical designs from concept through fabrication and test.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability (DFM).
- Leadership skills and ability to mentor and guide junior engineers.
- Hands-on experience in laboratory or prototype environments, with comfort working through rapid iteration and ambiguity.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate trade-offs across disciplines.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree or PhD.
- Experience in fusion, plasma physics, accelerator physics, defense, or another high-consequence technical environment.
- Familiarity with vacuum systems, cryogenics, high-voltage hardware, or pulsed power components.
- Exposure to large-scale structural systems, pressure vessels, or custom capital equipment.
Responsibilities
- Develop mechanical designs for complex fusion-system applications, including vacuum vessels, structural assemblies, diagnostics hardware, and experimental fixtures.
- Lead design changes and improvements, owning components from concept through fabrication and test.
- Work with vendors and manufacturers to ensure designs are practical, cost-effective, and manufacturable.
- Perform mechanical analyses, including stress, thermal, and dynamic-loading analyses, to validate designs against requirements.
- Conduct and participate in design reviews, providing feedback to improve system performance and reliability.
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams across plasma physics, pulsed power, electrical, software, and manufacturing engineering to deliver integrated system-level designs.
- Oversee the creation of detailed design documentation, drawings, and specifications.
- Participate in risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for novel engineering challenges.
- Stay current with advancements in mechanical design, materials, and manufacturing technologies.
- Mentor and guide junior engineers.
Benefits
- Industry-competitive salary.
- Equity plan.
- 6% employer 401(k) matching.
- Generous paid time off, including sick leave, vacation, and paid family leave.
- Medical insurance.
- Dental insurance.
- Vision insurance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
