Fabrication Lead

Pacific Fusion; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 176,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity plan

6% employer 401k matching

Generous paid time off

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Job summary

Pacific Fusion in San Francisco is seeking an expert Fabrication Lead - Vacuum Systems to oversee end-to-end vacuum chamber fabrication, assembly, and installation for our fusion platform. You will drive design-for-manufacturability, lead RFQ reviews, manage fabrication of critical vacuum components, and coordinate with vacuum physicists to ensure tight tolerances, cleanliness, and system reliability.

This role requires 8+ years in UHV systems, a bachelor’s in engineering or physics, and

Qualifications

• 8+ years in high or ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems design, fabrication and installation.
• Deep understanding of vacuum fabrication and leak detection techniques.
• Experience with stainless steel fabrication for vacuum service.
• Familiarity with vacuum system assembly, testing, and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Own the execution of vacuum vessel and component fabrication from design-for-manufacturability through site installation.
• Drive requests for quotation and technical bid reviews for complex vacuum components and precision parts.
• Manage fabrication of mission-critical vacuum components and power-flow components for the fusion machine.
• Build detailed execution plans including vacuum leak testing, qualification, and turnover documentation.
• Coordinate with vacuum physicists and design engineers to optimize system performance and reliability.
• Manage suppliers of specialized vacuum hardware and precision machined components; ensure schedule and quality; travel as needed.

Skills

UHV vacuum systems

Vacuum fabrication

Stainless steel fabrication

Leak detection

DFM

Aerospace fabrication

Education

B.S. in mechanical engineering

B.S. in physics

Tools

Helium leak testing equipment

Job description

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

Pacific Fusion is seeking an expert Fabrication Lead - Vacuum Systems to oversee the end-to-end delivery of vacuum chamber vessel and large complex steel assemblies critical to our fusion technology. You will lead the procurement, fabrication, machining, and installation of complex vacuum chambers, forged and machined ring assemblies with complex features & tight tolerances. This role is essential for maintaining the extreme vacuum requirements necessary to achieve our fusion goals.

What You'll Do

• Own the execution of vacuum vessel and component fabrication, from design-for-manufacturability through final site installation.
• Drive requests for quotation and technical bid reviews for complex vacuum components, large precision manufactured components, ensuring tight tolerance and cleanliness standards.
• Manage fabrication of mission critical vacuum components and power flow components for our fusion machine.
• Build detailed execution plans including vacuum leak testing, qualification, and turnover documentation.
• Coordinate with vacuum physicists and design engineers to optimize system performance and reliability.
• Manage suppliers of specialized vacuum hardware, precision machined components ensuring schedule compliance and quality control. Expected to travel and meet with the suppliers.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, physics, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in high or ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems, including design, fabrication, and installation.
• Deep understanding of vacuum fabrication (welding, surface finish, sealing and cleanliness) and leak detection techniques (e.g., helium leak testing).
• Experience with stainless steel fabrication processes and cleanliness standards for vacuum service.
• Familiarity with vacuum system assembly, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with aerospace grade fabrication of large & complex stainless steel assemblies with intricate machined features, tight tolerances and smooth surface finish.

Bonus Points For

• Experience with large-scale UHV systems for fusion, aerospace, or accelerator physics.
• Machining of aerospace grade complex and large assemblies.
• Hands-on experience with cleanroom practices and assembly.
• Familiarity with nonconformance resolution in vacuum hardware.

Pay Range:

$175,900 - $219,900 USD

TOTAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES

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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNTITY

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.

This position may require access to information or technology that is subject to U.S. export control laws, such as ITAR or EAR. Under these regulations, we are required to ensure that such access is provided only to individuals who are classified as 'U.S. Persons.' This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.