Senior Target Fabrication Engineer - Assembly

Fusion Energy Base; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 175,900 - 263,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity plan

6% employer 401k matching

Generous paid time off

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Job summary

Epoch Biodesign in San Leandro, California, is seeking a Senior Target Fabrication Engineer to lead the precision assembly and project management of fusion targets. This role is pivotal in ensuring high-precision assemblies are delivered on schedule, bridging design and physical realization. Candidates should hold a degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering and possess hands-on project management experience in a precision engineering environment.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $175,900 to $263,800, alongside an equity plan and comprehensive benefits including 6% employer 401k matching.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing complex assemblies.
• Deep understanding of GD&T and technical drawings.
• Ability to drive projects through all development stages.

Responsibilities

• Manage delivery of fusion targets to meet technical requirements and schedules.
• Lead precision assembly of complex target systems.
• Establish project timelines and resource plans.

Skills

Project management

Precision assembly techniques

CAD modeling

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field

Master’s or PhD

Tools

GD&T

Technical drawings

Assembly fixtures and tooling

Job description

Why This Role Matters

Pacific Fusion is looking for a Senior Target Fabrication Engineer specializing in precision assembly and project management to join our growing target fabrication team. In this role, you will be a primary bridge between target design and physical realization, ensuring that complex, high‑precision assemblies are delivered on schedule. Your work in managing the lifecycle of these targets from component sourcing to final integration is critical to maintaining the high‑cadence production on the road to commercial fusion energy.

What You’ll Do

• Manage the end‑to‑end delivery of fusion targets to internal departments, ensuring all technical requirements, budgets, and schedules are met.
• Lead the precision assembly of complex target systems, utilizing specialized techniques to integrate components with micron‑level accuracy.
• Coordinate across working groups to understand internal customer requirements and translate them into actionable fabrication and assembly plans.
• Design and implement assembly fixtures and specialized tooling to improve the repeatability and reliability of target builds.
• Establish project timelines and resource plans to transition from R&D prototypes to a high‑throughput production environment.
• Oversee quality control and documentation for delivered targets, ensuring each assembly meets rigorous design intent and inspection standards.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field; a Master’s or PhD is a plus.
• Proven experience in project management within a precision engineering environment, specifically managing the delivery of complex assemblies.
• Hands‑on expertise in precision assembly techniques and a deep understanding of GD&T and technical drawings.
• Ability to drive a project through all stages of development, from initial concept and prototyping to high‑cadence internal delivery.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to act as a technical liaison between scientists, engineers, and fabrication technicians.
• Proficiency in CAD modeling for the design of assembly jigs, fixtures, and handling equipment.

Bonus Points For

• Experience managing small‑scale, high‑complexity hardware with micron‑level tolerances and delicate material interfaces.
• Deep understanding of chemical and material bonding techniques that includes glue, epoxy, soldering, and precision welding.
• Background in automated assembly or developing semi‑automated systems for a production environment.
• Familiarity with cleanroom operations and cryogenic vacuum systems.
• Knowledge of advanced metrology for verifying complex 3D assemblies, such as radiography or tomography.

Pay Range

$175,900 — $263,800 USD

Total Compensation & 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.

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.