Senior Structures Engineer

Pacific Fusion; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity plan

6% employer 401k matching

Generous paid time off (including sick

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Job summary

Pacific Fusion is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead design, analysis, and validation of large steel structures for our fusion demonstration system. You will optimize hardware for cost, weight, and longevity while guiding junior engineers and coordinating with electrical, manufacturing, and construction teams.

You will drive design reviews, develop detailed documentation, and ensure compliance with industry codes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience with FEA (finite element analysis).
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Expertise in CAD/Creo and manufacturability (DFM).

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze steel structures for fusion demonstration system.
• Optimize steel hardware for cost, weight, and longevity.
• Assess designs for load-bearing, efficiency, and cost savings.
• Lead design reviews and improve system performance.
• Coordinate with electrical, manufacturing, and construction teams.
• Create detailed design docs and ensure industry compliance.
• Conduct risk assessments and mitigation strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

DFM (Design for Manufacturability)

Hands-on design

Quality and detail orientation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s or PhD (preferred)

Tools

Creo CAD

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 an exceptional Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our dynamic team and create the path to commercial fusion energy. You will lead the design, detailed structural analysis, integration, and validation of large structures, and systems integral to our advanced fusion energy systems. This role requires a top-tier combination of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a proactive mindset to meet the exciting challenges in the field of fusion energy. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will lead collaborative and challenging projects, mentor junior engineers, and play a vital role in driving the overall development effort

What You’ll Do

• Conduct detailed design, structural analysis, and calculations for steel structures integral to our fusion demonstration system. Develop solutions that prioritize integrity, manufacturability, modularity, and durability.
• Optimize and “future-proof” critical steel hardware for cost, weight, and longevity.
• Analyze existing designs and provide recommendations for greater load-bearing capabilities, efficiency, cost savings
• Conduct design reviews and provide critical feedback to improve system performance and reliability.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams (including electrical, manufacturing, and construction teams) to integrate system-level designs.
• Oversee the creation of detailed design documentation and specifications and ensure compliance with industry standards and codes.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop sound mitigation strategies.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering required. A Master’s Degree or PhD is a plus.
• Advanced knowledge of designing and building large structures
• 5+ years work experience as a Mechanical Engineer.
• Advanced knowledge of CAD software, such as Creo.
• Experience in the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Proven track record of developing and launching successful mechanical designs.
• Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and guide junior engineers.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and DFM (Design for Manufacturability).
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Experience in hands-on engineering design, rapid iteration, and creative problem solving in a laboratory setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Pay Range:

$156,500 - $234,800 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.

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.