Senior Mechanical Engineer

Why This Role Matters

Pacific Fusion is seeking an exceptional Senior Mechanical Engineer to help create the path to commercial fusion energy. You will help with the design, analysis, integration, and validation of mechanical systems and components across our advanced fusion energy platform. This role sits at the intersection of precision engineering and first-of-kind technology, demanding both deep technical expertise and the creative problem-solving mindset needed to tackle challenges no one has solved before. You will lead collaborative projects, mentor junior engineers, and play a vital role in driving our overall development effort.

What You'll Do

Own assigned mechanical scope end-to-end, providing technical direction to multidisciplinary teams to translate system requirements into robust, deliverable designs

Provide subject matter expertise in mechanical design and analysis for advanced diagnostic instrumentation, from concept through release

Develop precision motion and thermal management solutions compatible with high-vacuum and radiation environments

Define and verify mechanical alignment requirements for optical and detector systems, coordinating with metrology and assembly teams

Apply optomechanical design principles for mirrors, lenses, and optical mounts to ensure precision alignment and performance of diagnostic systems

Create and maintain 3D CAD models and 2D fabrication drawings with GD&T for machined, sheet-metal, and additive-manufactured components

Perform FEA (structural, thermal) to validate designs against shock, vibration, and thermal loads expected in pulsed fusion experiments

Drive hardware from prototype through delivery, installation, and commissioning, working with vendors and in-house shops in a rapid-turn laboratory setting

Maintain rigorous revision control and configuration management in PDM/PLM systems: part numbering, BOMs, ECOs, and CAD library maintenance

Mentor early-career engineers and contribute to the technical development of the broader team

Perform other duties as assigned

What You Bring

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field; advanced degree a plus

Strong first-principles engineering instincts and problem-solving skills

5+ years’ experience in mechanical design for vacuum-compatible instrumentation, ideally with radiation or high-energy diagnostics

Expert proficiency in a professional 3D CAD platform (Creo, NX, or SolidWorks), GD&T, and producing detailed manufacturing drawings

Significant experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, COMSOL) for structural and thermal analysis

Demonstrated ability to navigate competing design constraints simultaneously: vacuum compatibility, radiation tolerance, thermal management, and tight geometric envelopes  internally and between neighboring subsystems

Proven ability to operate as an effective individual contributor: self-directed and accountable for assigned deliverables end-to-end

Comfortable driving cross-functional stakeholders — vendors, technicians, and peer engineers — to keep mechanical deliverables on schedule

Excellent verbal and written communication skills for technical documentation and cross-functional collaboration

Able to work closely with team members and project manager in fast-paced environment with ambitious deadlines

Bonus Points

Experience in fusion, plasma physics, accelerator physics, defense, or other high-consequence technical environments.

Familiarity with vacuum systems, cryogenics, high-voltage hardware, or pulsed power components.

Exposure to large-scale structural systems, pressure vessels, or custom capital equipment.

Pay Range:

$138,100—$263,800 USD