Mechanical Engineer - Pulsed Power

Pacific Fusion Corporation; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity plan

6% 401k matching

PTO

Job summary

Pacific Fusion Corporation is actively seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, build, operate, and advance pulsed power systems—the core of our experimental fusion platform. The role blends hands-on hardware with data-driven analysis across high-voltage architectures, controls, and diagnostics.

You will lead R&D workflows, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and own system performance from concept through prototype and validation, driving roadmap execution and safety-first operations.

Qualifications

• Requires a 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.
• 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 CAD software such as SolidWorks, ANSYS, or COMSOL Multiphysics.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate pulsed power systems, including high-voltage and high-current architectures.
• Develop controls for pulsed power operation, safety, and automation.
• Operate pulsed power systems during testing and data campaigns, with occasional extended hours.
• Ensure safe, reliable operation of high-energy systems per safety protocols.
• Acquire, process, and analyze data to evaluate performance and stability.
• Develop tooling for data collection, visualization, and interpretation.
• Lead design reviews, experimental planning, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and plasma physics teams to iterate designs.
• Drive continuous improvement in reliability, efficiency, and diagnostics.

Skills

Systems design

Electronic design

Control systems

PLC programming

Circuit simulation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering/Applied Physics

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

COMSOL Multiphysics

Python

MATLAB

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

We are seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Engineerto 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.

Pay Range:

$130,000 - $180,000 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.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE

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.

Bay Area, California