Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems

Pacific Fusion; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity plan

6% employer 401k matching

Generous paid time off

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Job summary

Pacific Fusion in Fremont, CA is seeking a Senior Vacuum Systems Engineer to design assembly and integration for testing key components of our pulser system. You will lead cross-functional engineering activities from concept through on-site commissioning, specify vacuum components, prototype rapidly, and ensure compatibility with cryogenic and clean-room environments.

You will drive design reviews, collaborate with scientists and engineers, and support high-voltage testing in vacuum chambers for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering or related field; Master’s or PhD is a plus.
• Alternatively a minimum of 10 years specialized experience as a senior technician—with demonstrated responsibilities in system design, independent testing, and complex troubleshooting.
• Proven expertise in high vacuum systems design, analysis, and construction.
• Hands-on experience with vacuum components: chambers, pumps, seals, valves, ducts and clean room techniques.
• Experience integrating electrical testing in vacuum systems and pressurised systems.
• Familiarity with ASME BPVC and B31.3 codes.
• Experience with radioactive or toxic gas vacuum systems, novel vacuum pumps, or material characterization.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and test advanced vacuum systems for target area chambers and diagnostics.
• Select and size vacuum components, including pumps, seals, ducts, and valves, ensuring performance in particle-free cryogenic environments.
• Rapid prototyping for fusion technology applications.
• Lead technical and engineering activities from concept development through final onsite commissioning of vacuum equipment and systems.
• Supporting high-voltage electrical switching operations and testing in a vacuum chamber
• Perform experiments to characterize materials for outgassing, permeability, and vacuum compatibility.
• Provide solutions to field issues related to vacuum system design and performance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to educate and negotiate design requirements within a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

High vacuum systems design

Vacuum components & clean room tech

Electrical testing in vacuum systems

ASME BPVC & B31.3 familiarity

Cryogenic environments

Troubleshooting & diagnostics

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (Master’s/PhD a plus) or 10+ years senior technician experience

Job description

About Pacific Fusion

Pacific Fusion was founded in 2023 with the mission to power the world with abundant, affordable, clean energy.

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 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

This role is critical to design assembly and integration for testing key components of our pulser system.

What You’ll Do

• Design, analyze, and test advanced vacuum systems for target area chambers and diagnostics.


• Select and size vacuum components, including pumps, seals, ducts, and valves, ensuring performance in particle-free cryogenic environments.


• Rapid prototyping for fusion technology applications.


• Lead technical and engineering activities from concept development through final onsite commissioning of vacuum equipment and systems.


• Supporting high-voltage electrical switching operations and testing in a vacuum chamber


• Perform experiments to characterize materials for outgassing, permeability, and vacuum compatibility.


• Provide solutions to field issues related to vacuum system design and performance.


• Collaborate cross-functionally to educate and negotiate design requirements within a multidisciplinary team.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering or a related field, Master’s or PhD is a plus. Alternatively, a minimum of 10 years specialized experience as a senior technician—with demonstrated responsibilities in system design, independent testing, and complex troubleshooting.


• Proven expertise in high vacuum systems design, analysis, and construction.


• Hands-on experience with vacuum components: chambers, pumps, seals, valves, ducts and clean room techniques.


• Experience integrating electrical testing in vacuum systems and pressurised systems


• Familiarity with ASME BPVC and B31.3 codes.


• Experience with radioactive or toxic gas vacuum systems, novel vacuum pumps, or material characterization

Bonus Points For

• Experience setting up wiring, circuits, control systems, diagnose electrical malfunctions and system failures using testing tools.


• Machining and CAD design experience, CREO

Pay Range

$138,100—$219,900 USD

Total Compensation And Benefits For Eligible Employees

• 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.

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.

RECRUITING AGENCIES

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 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.