Senior Mechanical Engineer - Fusion Chamber San Leandro, CA

Pacificfusion; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join their mission of developing advanced fusion technology. In this role, you will design and integrate large-scale structural systems, ensuring reliability and performance for cutting-edge fusion chambers. Collaborating with a dynamic team of scientists and engineers, you will optimize designs for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness, driving the future of clean energy. This opportunity offers a chance to be at the forefront of energy innovation while contributing to a sustainable future. If you are passionate about engineering and eager to make a significant impact, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Industry-competitive salary

Equity plan

6% employer 401k matching

Generous paid time off

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in complex mechanical system design.
• Expertise in structural mechanics and Finite Element Analysis.
• Hands-on experience with CAD modeling and simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop structural components for fusion chamber systems.
• Conduct analysis using first-principles engineering and FEA.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to align design solutions.

Skills

Structural Mechanics

Kinematics

Material Properties

System Integration

First-principles Calculations

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

CAD Modeling

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

NX

FEM

MATLAB

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 rapidly designing and building a pulsed magnetic 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.

About the Role

Pacific Fusion is seeking an exceptional Senior Mechanical Engineer - Chamber Systems to contribute to the design, development, and integration of large-scale, high-precision structural systems for our advanced fusion chamber technology.

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for defining sub-system mechanical roadmaps, ensuring long-term system reliability, and optimizing designs for cost, manufacturability, and performance. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams including physicists, engineers, and leadership, playing a key role in the success of our next-generation fusion reactor.

Responsibilities

• Design and development of large-scale structural components and sub-systems for vacuum, thermal, and mechanical stability within the fusion chamber system.
• Conduct structural, thermal, fluid, and dynamic analysis, applying first-principles engineering and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Develop and optimize precision mechanics, vacuum components, hydrodynamic blast mitigation, and radiative emissions structures.
• Own the mechanical roadmap for a critical chamber sub-system, ensuring long-term structural integrity for a 15 year service life.
• Drive the design-to-installation cycle, including concept development, prototyping, validation, and system integration.
• Investigate new mechanical architectures, technologies, and materials to enhance performance.
• Collaborate closely with team leads, design engineers, and project teams to align design solutions with system-level requirements.
• Ensure all designs comply with ASME BPVC Sec. II, VIII, and IX, ensuring reliability in extreme environments.
• Develop clear technical documentation, design specifications, and reports to support system development.
• Optimize designs for cost-effectiveness, manufacturability, and reliability in collaboration with fabrication partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master’s or PhD preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in large, complex mechanical system design, from concept to installation.
• Expertise in structural mechanics, kinematics, material properties, and system integration.
• Proficiency in first-principles calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural, thermal, and dynamic performance.
• Hands-on experience with CAD modeling (Creo, NX, or similar) and simulation tools (FEM, MATLAB, etc.).
• Working knowledge of vacuum systems, welded/bolted joints, and high-energy structural design.

Benefits:

• Industry-competitive salary
• 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.

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.