Senior Mechanical Engineer

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 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, development, and validation of mechanical components 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 and play a vital role in driving the overall development effort. What You'll Do Develop innovative mechanical designs for complex engineering problems while adhering to ambitious timelines. Lead the implementation of design changes and improvements across our systems. Work closely with vendors and manufacturers to ensure designs are practical, cost-effective, and manufacturable. Provide structural mechanical analysis on various systems. Conduct design reviews and provide critical feedback to improve system performance and reliability. Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams (including electrical, software, and manufacturing engineers) to integrate system-level designs. Oversee the creation of detailed design documentation and specifications. Stay current with industry trends and advancements in mechanical design and manufacturing technologies. Participate in risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies. What You Bring Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering required. A Master’s Degree or PhD is a plus. 6+ years work experience as a Mechanical Engineer Advanced knowledge of CAD software, Creo being preferred Experience in the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and/or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). 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 & 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, disabil