Lead Machinist

Location

San Leandro, CA

Employment Type

Full time

Location Type

On-site

Department

Delivery

Compensation

$60.00 – $80.00 per hour • Offers Equity

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.

About the Role

Job Overview:

The Lead Machinist will play a crucial role in supporting our engineering and delivery teams in setting up automated manufacturing lines and in the assembly, testing, and validation of electrical and mechanical components integral to our fusion energy systems. Your technical skills, attention to detail, and proactive approach are fundamental to our success.

Responsibilities:

- Assist in the set-up of new production work areas, including layouts, tooling, and equipment configuration.

- Setup and operate CNC and manual machines, including but not limited to lathes and multi-axis mills, to produce precision parts from metals, plastics, and potentially composites.

- Utilize multi-axis machining, turning, cutting, and grinding centers on various products.

- Read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and work instructions to meet tolerance requirements.

- Set up a system to receive new work, prioritize schedules, and tooling needed.

- Work with engineering teams to document and standardize production processes.

- Facilitate the transition from development to production by collaborating closely with engineering.

- Identify and execute continuous improvement projects to enhance area safety and efficiency.

- Perform second-party verification of manufactured hardware and assist in the transition from development to production.

Qualifications:

- Experience in setting up a new manufacturing facility, ideally in a startup environment, is a plus.

- Experience owning and mastering machine shop tools, particularly lathe, mill, CNC, drill press, etc, is a plus.

- Experience with building out a team by interviewing, hiring, and training other technicians is a plus.

- Experience with automation equipment and processes is a plus.

- Minimum 10 years of experience as a machinist in a hands-on setting, lead or supervisor preferred.

- Familiarity with CAD software and technical drawings for viewing and interpreting design schematics is a plus.

- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex electromechanical systems.

- Demonstrated ability to follow detailed instructions and protocols.

- Extensive experience driving a forklift and using hand power tools.

- Preferred candidates will have experience in hands-on tasks such as machining, welding, construction, auto mechanics, or other similar tasks.

- An Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field a plus

Preferred but not required:

- Experience working in a startup

- Experience working in industries such as: fusion, energy, aerospace, automotive or manufacturing

- Professional rigging certifications (e.g., NCCCO Rigger Level I/II).

- Welding or fabrication background.

- Familiarity with cranes, forklifts, and overhead hoist systems.