Senior Mechanical Engineer - X-Ray Diagnostics

Pacific Fusion; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Senior Mechanical Engineer in the X-Ray Diagnostics team, where you will play a vital role in designing and detailing mechanical assemblies for high-speed X-ray detectors. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in a dynamic environment, focusing on innovative solutions for extreme conditions. With a commitment to clean energy, this role not only enhances your engineering skills but also contributes to a sustainable future. If you're passionate about mechanical design and eager to impact the world positively, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Industry-competitive salary

Equity plan

6% employer 401k matching

Generous paid time off

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in mechanical design for vacuum-compatible instrumentation.
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD and GD&T.
• Hands-on experience with FEA tools for structural and thermal analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical assemblies for X-ray detectors and cameras.
• Develop precision motion and thermal management solutions.
• Collaborate with physicists and engineers to translate requirements.

Skills

3D CAD (Creo or NX)

GD&T

FEA tools (ANSYS, COMSOL)

Mechanical design for vacuum-compatible instrumentation

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Advanced degree

Tools

PDM/PLM systems

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.

Job Overview

Pacific Fusion is looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our X-Ray Diagnostics team. You’ll take mechanical ownership of the housings, mounts, feedthroughs, and support structures for our high-speed X-ray detectors and camera systems, ensuring they perform reliably in vacuum and under extreme fusion chamber conditions.

Responsibilities

• Design and detail mechanical assemblies for X-ray detectors and cameras: sensor housings, vacuum flanges, alignment stages, and mounting hardware

• Develop precision motion and thermal management solutions (e.g. rotary feedthroughs, heat sinks, cooling channels) compatible with high-vacuum and radiation environments

• Create and maintain 3D CAD models and 2D fabrication drawings with full GD&T for machined, sheet-metal, and additive-manufactured components

• Collaborate with the X-Ray Diagnostics Lead, physicists, and electrical engineers to translate system requirements into robust mechanical designs

• Perform FEA (structural, thermal) to validate designs against shock, vibration, and thermal loads expected in pulsed fusion experiments

• Work with vendors and in-house shops to prototype, test, and iterate designs in a rapid-turn laboratory setting

• Own revision control and documentation in PDM/PLM systems: part numbering, BOMs, ECOs, and CAD library maintenance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; advanced degree a plus

• 5+ years’ experience in mechanical design for vacuum-compatible instrumentation, ideally with radiation or high-energy diagnostics

• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD (Creo or NX), GD&T, and producing detailed manufacturing drawings

• Hands-on experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, COMSOL) for structural and thermal analysis

• Proven track record working with vendors to deliver precision-machined and custom-fab components

• Strong problem-solving skills and comfort iterating designs quickly in a lab or field environment

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for technical documentation and cross-functional collaboration

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.

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.