Senior Mechanical Engineer

Pacific Fusion • San Leandro, CA

2d

About The Position

Pacific Fusion is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support the design, analysis, integration, and validation of mechanical systems and components across its pulser-driven inertial fusion platform. The role involves developing first-of-kind technology and solving complex engineering challenges while helping advance the company’s goal of commercial fusion energy.

The engineer will lead collaborative projects, own mechanical components from concept through fabrication and test, and mentor junior engineers. The position works closely with multidisciplinary teams and external vendors and manufacturers to deliver integrated, practical, cost-effective, and manufacturable designs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• At least 5 years of experience as a Mechanical Engineer, ideally working with complex, multidisciplinary systems.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent, and strong 3D modeling habits.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) for structural, thermal, or dynamic applications.
• Demonstrated experience taking 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 communicate trade-offs clearly across disciplines.

Nice To Haves

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience in fusion, plasma physics, accelerator physics, defense, or other high-consequence technical environments.
• 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 engineering problems, 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 stress, thermal, and dynamic mechanical analyses to validate designs against requirements.
• Conduct and participate in design reviews, providing feedback to improve system performance and reliability.
• Coordinate with plasma physics, pulsed power, electrical, software, and manufacturing engineering teams to deliver integrated system-level designs.
• Oversee 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

• Equity plan.
• 6% employer 401(k) matching.
• Generous paid time off, including sick leave, vacation, and paid family leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior