Senior Structures Engineer

Fusion Energy Base; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Fusion Energy Base is seeking a Senior Structures Engineer in San Leandro, California, to design and validate critical mechanical and structural systems for fusion systems. The role demands expertise in structural analysis and mechanical design to execute complex projects safely.

You will develop designs for specialized tools and support structures. Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Structural Engineering and at least 10 years of relevant experience. Competitive remuneration is offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of work experience as a Design Engineer with a proven track record in complex structural, mechanical or installation-support systems.
• Deep working knowledge of structural and safety codes, specifically ASME BTH‑1, ASME B30.20, ASCE 37 and OSHA requirements.
• Expertise in engineering analysis, including the application of finite element analysis (FEA).

Responsibilities

• Drive and develop innovative designs for specialized tools and equipment for installation and maintenance.
• Design temporary support structures required for installation and erection of the fusion machine.
• Own the structural interfaces between the fusion machine and the civil facility.

Skills

Structural analysis

Mechanical design

Construction engineering

Finite element analysis (FEA)

Leadership

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Structural Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Why This Role Matters

Pacific Fusion is looking for a Senior Structures Engineer to help with design, analysis, and validation of critical mechanical and structural systems necessary for the installation, commissioning and operations of our fusion systems. The role requires extensive expertise across structural analysis, mechanical design and construction engineering to safely and efficiently execute complex projects in a high‑precision environment.

What You’ll Do

• Drive and develop innovative designs for the specialized tools and equipment required for the installation, maintenance, heavy‑lift and high‑precision alignment of large fusion machine components.
• Design temporary support structures—including frames, fixtures, falsework, scaffolding and temporary hoists—required for the installation and erection of the fusion machine.
• Own the structural interfaces between the fusion machine and the civil facility, including the design of foundation embedments, anchorages and load‑distribution steelwork.
• Design and analyze seismic restraint systems and vibration isolation mounts to protect high‑precision, high‑mass fusion components.
• Design test stands and develop load‑proofing protocols to physically validate custom lifting and handling equipment prior to active use.
• Provide miscellaneous structural engineering support and detailed mechanical analysis, including finite element analysis (FEA), for various mechanical design scopes and high‑load systems.
• Design permanent and temporary platforms, access structures and related structural engineering components across a broad scope.
• Ensure all designs adhere to relevant codes and standards, including ASME BTH‑1, ASME B30.20, ASCE 37 and OSHA access and safety requirements.
• Work closely with contractors, vendors and manufacturers to ensure that construction means, methods, techniques, sequences and designs are practical and manufacturable.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including construction and civil groups, to ensure seamless integration of system designs and facility requirements.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Structural Engineering.
• 10+ years of work experience as a Design Engineer with a proven track record in complex structural, mechanical or installation‑support systems.
• Deep working knowledge of structural and safety codes, specifically ASME BTH‑1, ASME B30.20, ASCE 37 and OSHA requirements.
• Familiarity with construction procedures, temporary structures, and construction engineering and installation support.
• Proven success in designing and building multi‑degree‑of‑freedom precision systems and high‑load lifting equipment.
• Expertise in engineering analysis, including the application of finite element analysis (FEA) for structural integrity and dynamic/fatigue loading.
• Strong understanding of material properties, manufacturing processes and Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
• Advanced knowledge of CAD software and extensive experience in GD&T.
• Excellent leadership, communication and project coordination skills.

Bonus Points For

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in NM.
• Experience in the design and execution of actuated systems, heavy jacking operations and complex preloading systems.
• Experience delivering major, first‑of‑a‑kind systems or projects with budgets exceeding $100million.
• Experience working in a startup environment.