Senior Mechanical Engineer, Optical Diagnostics (Vacuum)

Pacific Fusion Corporation; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 264,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity Plan

401k Matching

Paid Time Off

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Job summary

Pacific Fusion is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical design, analysis, and integration of optical diagnostics within our fusion-energy platform. You will own end-to-end mechanical scope, developing precision motion, thermal management, and optomechanical alignment for vacuum and radiation environments.

You will create 3D CAD models, GD&T drawings, and perform FEA, collaborating with vendors, technicians, and engineers to meet ambitious project deadlines in a fast-paced lab

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field; advanced degree a plus.
• Strong first-principles engineering instincts and problem-solving skills.
• 5+ years’ experience in mechanical design for vacuum-compatible instrumentation, ideally with radiation or high-energy diagnostics
• Expert proficiency in a professional 3D CAD platform (Creo, NX, or SolidWorks), GD&T, and producing detailed manufacturing drawings
• Significant experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, COMSOL) for structural and thermal analysis
• Demonstrated ability to navigate competing design constraints simultaneously: vacuum compatibility, radiation tolerance, thermal management, and tight geometric envelopes internally and between neighboring subsystems
• Proven ability to operate as an effective individual contributor: self-directed and accountable for assigned deliverables end-to-end
• Comfortable driving cross-functional stakeholders — vendors, technicians, and peer engineers — to keep mechanical deliverables on schedule
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for technical documentation and cross-functional collaboration
• Able to work closely with team members and project manager in fast-paced environment with ambitious deadlines

Responsibilities

• Own assigned mechanical scope end-to-end, providing technical direction to multidisciplinary teams to translate system requirements into robust, deliverable designs
• Provide subject matter expertise in mechanical design and analysis for advanced diagnostic instrumentation, from concept through release
• Develop precision motion and thermal management solutions compatible with high-vacuum and radiation environments
• Define and verify mechanical alignment requirements for optical and detector systems, coordinating with metrology and assembly teams
• Apply optomechanical design principles for mirrors, lenses, and optical mounts to ensure precision alignment and performance of diagnostic systems
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models and 2D fabrication drawings with GD&T for machined, sheet-metal, and additive-manufactured components
• Perform FEA (structural, thermal) to validate designs against shock, vibration, and thermal loads expected in pulsed fusion experiments
• Drive hardware from prototype through delivery, installation, and commissioning, working with vendors and in-house shops in a rapid-turn laboratory setting
• Maintain rigorous revision control and configuration management in PDM/PLM systems: part numbering, BOMs, ECOs, and CAD library maintenance
• Mentor early-career engineers and contribute to the technical development of the broader team
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Mechanical design

Vacuum-compatible instrumentation

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical communication

Self-directed work

Vendor coordination

Thermal management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Advanced degree

Tools

Creo

NX

SolidWorks

ANSYS

COMSOL

PDM/PLM systems

Job description

Pacific Fusion is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical design, analysis, and integration of optical diagnostics within our fusion-energy platform. You will own end-to-end mechanical scope, developing precision motion, thermal management, and optomechanical alignment for vacuum and radiation environments.

You will create 3D CAD models, GD&T drawings, and perform FEA, collaborating with vendors, technicians, and engineers to meet ambitious project deadlines in a fast-paced lab