Mechanical Engineer - Pulsed Power

Fusion Energy Base; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Fusion Energy Base in the United States is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to design, build, operate pulsed power systems central to our experimental fusion platform. The role requires collaboration with electrical and plasma physics teams and a strong drive to improve reliability and efficiency.

You will lead design reviews, develop data workflows, and translate results into next-generation pulser designs. A bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of experience are expected.

Qualifications

• 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 (SPICE, PSCAD, COMSOL, or similar) and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools.
• Familiarity with engineering modeling and CAD software (SolidWorks, ANSYS, or COMSOL Multiphysics).

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate pulsed power systems, including high-voltage architectures and control systems.
• Operate pulsed power systems during testing and data acquisition campaigns.
• Ensure safe, reliable operation of high-energy systems.
• 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.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

COMSOL Multiphysics

Job description

Why This Role Matters

We are seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Engineer to design, build, operate, and advance our pulsed power systems—the core of our 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 combines strong technical depth with the ability to lead R&D workflows, collaborate across disciplines, and take ownership of system performance and development.

• 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.

What You Bring

• 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).

Bonus Points For

• 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.