OBA Research Scientist/Engineer – Fusion Energy Systems

Pacific Fusion; San Leandro (CA); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6% employer 401(k) matching

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Lunch provided when working at a facility

Job summary

Pacific Fusion in San Leandro seeks a dedicated individual to lead fusion energy R&D projects. You will be pivotal in integrating fusion energy technologies from concept through prototype, with opportunities to publish your results in esteemed scientific journals.

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. or M.S. in physics or engineering, alongside strong computational and experimental skills. This role offers flexible hours and a competitive compensation package.

Qualifications

• Top 1% performer striving for excellence.
• Current national laboratory employee interested in joining PF through Outside Business Activity.
• Strong computational, experimental, or engineering skills relevant to fusion energy research.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to fusion energy R&D projects from concept through prototype.
• Collaborate across disciplines to integrate fusion energy technologies.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Skills

Computational skills relevant to fusion energy research

Experimental skills relevant to fusion energy research

Engineering skills relevant to fusion energy research

Education

Ph.D. or M.S. in physics, engineering, or related discipline

Job description

About Pacific Fusion

Pacific Fusion was founded in 2023 with the mission to power the world with abundant, affordable, clean energy. We are designing and building a pulser‑driven inertial fusion system to achieve net facility gain and developing the key components needed to build affordable fusion systems. We have raised over $900M and bring together top scientists, engineers, and operators from the fusion community and other sectors to deliver clean power for the world.

Key Technical Domains

• Fusion Energy Science and Technology including plasma physics, fusion science, advanced materials, and related fields
• Fusion Energy Target Design
• Fusion Energy Code Development
• Fusion Energy Diagnostics
• Fusion Energy Target Fabrication and Precision Manufacturing
• Fusion Energy Modeling and Simulation
• AI/ML for Fusion Energy Applications
• Fusion Energy Systems Engineering
• Fusion Energy Data Analysis
• Fusion Energy Experiments (using existing public‑sector experimental capabilities)
• Fusion Energy Experimental Operations (including radiation and industrial safety)
• Control Systems (human safety, machine control and safety, data collection integrity)
• Power Plant Secondary Systems
• Fusion Energy Technologies, including pulsed power systems, lasers, materials, optics, target injection and tracking, radiation chamber dynamics, fuel cycle, facility operations, cryogenics, vacuum technology, precision machining, and other associated fields
• Fusion Energy Technology Peer Review
• Fusion Energy Technology Concept Ideation

What You'll Do

• Lead and contribute to fusion energy R&D projects from concept through prototype.
• Collaborate across disciplines to integrate fusion energy target design, fabrication, diagnostics, and supporting technologies into deployable systems.
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present at national and international fusion energy conferences.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to teamwork, continuous learning, and mission‑driven impact.

What You Bring

• A top 1% performer who strives for excellence and has a deep desire to win.
• A current national laboratory employee interested in joining PF through Outside Business Activity (OBA).
• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S. with significant experience) in physics, engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong computational, experimental, or engineering skills relevant to fusion energy research.

Why Join Us

• Contribute directly to the development of commercially deployable fusion energy systems.
• Collaborate with a world‑class team bridging public‑private innovation in fusion energy.
• Flexible work options: positions available from 5 to 40 hours per week with competitive salary, equity, and benefits.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary negotiable, ranging from a full‑time equivalent salary of $200,000 to $350,000 per year, prorated for agreed weekly hours. Additional compensation includes company equity and a comprehensive benefits package: 6% employer 401(k) matching, generous paid time off (including sick leave, vacation, and paid family leave), medical, dental, and vision insurance, and lunch provided when working at a Pacific Fusion facility.

EEO Statement

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. Pacific Fusion does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies without a fully executed recruitment agreement in place. In the absence of such an agreement, Pacific Fusion reserves the right to pursue and hire any candidates without an obligation to pay fees. Agencies are requested not to contact Pacific Fusion hiring managers or employees regarding recruiting services.