Senior Mechanical Design Specialist

Pacific Fusion; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 207,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity plan

6% employer 401k matching

Paid time off

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Job summary

Pacific Fusion is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Specialist to support the development of advanced mechanical systems for next-generation fusion energy technology. This role is ideal for creative, hands-on mechanical designers with strong CAD expertise who can work independently while collaborating closely with scientists, engineers, and cross-functional technical teams.

Successful candidates will develop and analyze complex mechanical systems, translate concepts into fully detailed,

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent in mechanical design or related field.
• Significant experience with Creo Parametric and Windchill (or similar CAD/PLM).
• Advanced knowledge of CAD/PLM systems and GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
• Ability to read and interpret complex drawings and specifications.
• Experience with hardware design, fabrication, and manufacturing methods.

Responsibilities

• Independently analyze complex design problems and craft robust mechanical solutions.
• Translate designs into detailed layouts and assemblies using Creo Parametric.
• Create and maintain design documentation, schedules, costs, and procedures.
• Capture design intent with model-based definitions where applicable.
• Maintain Windchill/PLM documentation and configuration control.
• Estimate schedules and costs for design, materials, and fabrication.
• Present technical material for design reviews and documentation.
• Mentor designers and contribute to workforce planning and task prioritization.
• Participate in design reviews and engineering change processes.
• Prepare and review engineering reports, manuals, and related documents.
• Present designs and analyses to leadership and stakeholders.

Skills

Creo Parametric

Windchill

GD&T

Multi-tasking

Communication

Education

Associate's degree in Mechanical Design or related field

Tools

Windchill

CAD/PLM systems

FEA (CAD-supported)

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 a Senior Mechanical Design Specialist to support the development of advanced mechanical systems for next-generation fusion energy technology. This role is ideal for creative, hands-on mechanical designers with strong CAD expertise who can work independently while collaborating closely with scientists, engineers, and cross-functional technical teams.

Successful candidates will develop and analyze complex mechanical systems, conduct research to resolve challenging engineering problems, and translate concepts into fully detailed, production-ready designs. Depending on experience and qualifications, candidates may also provide technical leadership, including planning and leading multiple complex projects

What You'll Do

• Independently analyze complex design problems and develop robust mechanical design solutions that satisfy all requirements and constraints.
• Translate design solutions into detailed layouts and assemblies using Creo Parametric
• Develop supporting documentation for design solutions, including analysis, schedules, cost estimates, and procedures.
• Capture design intent using Creo Parametric, including model-based definition practices where applicable.
• Maintain accurate design documentation and configuration control within Windchill or equivalent PLM/ELM systems.
• Estimate schedules and costs to determine effective approaches for design, materials selection, and fabrication to meet project deliverables.
• Prepare and present technical material for design reviews, procedures, and related documentation.
• Provide technical mentorship to fellow designers and contribute to workforce planning, task prioritization, and work assignments.
• Participate in formal design reviews and engineering change processes.
• Author, review, and approve engineering reports, manuals, and other technical documentation.
• Present designs and technical analyses to engineering leadership and project stakeholders

What You Bring

• Associate's degree in Mechanical Design, Mechanical Mechanical DesignTechnology, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Significant applied experience with Creo Parametric and Windchill (or equivalent CAD/PLM systems).
• Advanced knowledge of CAD/PLM systems and configuration management best practices.
• Strong working knowledge of drafting standards, including ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret complex design requirements and develop original, practical engineering solutions.
• Experience with hardware design, fabrication, assembly techniques, material selection, testing processes, and manufacturing methods.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow complex engineering drawings, specifications, sketches, and procedures.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks with attention to detail, accuracy, and independent follow-through.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information clearly.

Bonus Points For

• Demonstrated technical or project leadership experience.
• Experience developing staffing plans, safety notes, mentoring engineers or designers, and contributing to performance development.
• Familiarity with project management methods and tools.
• Experience using CAD-supported Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to support conceptual and detailed design decisions.

Pay Range:

$138,100 - $207,000 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.