Mechanical Engineering Lead - Structures

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. You can read more about us in this letter from our founders.

Pacific Fusion is seeking a Power Flow Structures Engineering Lead to spearhead the design, development, and deployment of large, multi-material structural systems. These structures are essential in delivery of high energy electrical pulses, in vacuum for fusion experiments. In this pivotal role, you will lead a specialized team in developing mechanical solutions capable of operating in the extreme environments of fusion energy systems. Your efforts will directly contribute to achieving net facility gain in fusion energy and shaping the infrastructure for future facilities. This role demands a high level of technical expertise, innovative thinking, and leadership skills to drive success in one of the most challenging areas of engineering.

- Lead and mentor a team of engineers, fostering collaboration and driving progress toward critical design milestones.

- Develop advanced pulsed power structural systems to support fusion research, ensuring accurate power delivery in extreme environments.

- Design, prototype, and test systems capable of enduring the demanding conditions of fusion chambers.

- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including physicists, researchers, and engineers, to define and refine system requirements.

- Oversee the integration of large scale, vacuum compatible systems into complex fusion systems, ensuring seamless functionality.

- Participate in risk assessments, troubleshooting, and iterative design improvements to enhance system reliability.

- Create and maintain detailed design documentation and specifications, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field.

- Proven experience leading teams in a fast-paced engineering or technical environment, with a focus on fostering collaboration and achieving results.

- Extensive experience in the design, testing, and development of large, complex, high precision structures adhering to challenging positional and loading requirements.

- Demonstrated expertise in mechanical design with a focus on practical, cost-effective solutions.

- Proficiency in CAD software such as Creo or NX CAD, with a solid understanding of design for manufacturability (DFM).

- Hands-on experience in rapid prototyping, testing, and problem-solving in a laboratory or field setting.

- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.

Desired

Extensive experience working with thermoplastic polymers and ceramic composites

- 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.