Pacific Fusion Logo

Pacific Fusion

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems

Posted 8 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
In-Office
Fremont, CA, USA
138K-220K Annually
Senior level
In-Office
Fremont, CA, USA
138K-220K Annually
Senior level
Design, analyze, test, prototype, and commission advanced vacuum systems for fusion target chambers and diagnostics. Select and size vacuum components for cryogenic, particle-free environments; characterize materials for vacuum compatibility; support high-voltage testing; troubleshoot field issues; and collaborate across disciplines to establish design requirements.
The summary above was generated by AI
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

This role is critical to design assembly and integration for testing key components of our pulser system.


What You'll Do
  • Design, analyze, and test advanced vacuum systems for target area chambers and diagnostics.
  • Select and size vacuum components, including pumps, seals, ducts, and valves, ensuring performance in particle-free cryogenic environments.
  • Rapid prototyping for fusion technology applications.
  • Lead technical and engineering activities from concept development through final onsite commissioning of vacuum equipment and systems.
  • Supporting high-voltage electrical switching operations and testing in a vacuum chamber
  • Perform experiments to characterize materials for outgassing, permeability, and vacuum compatibility.
  • Provide solutions to field issues related to vacuum system design and performance.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to educate and negotiate design requirements within a multidisciplinary team.
What You Bring
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering or a related field, Master's or PhD is a plus. Alternatively, a minimum of 10 years specialized experience as a senior technician—with demonstrated responsibilities in system design, independent testing, and complex troubleshooting.
  • Proven expertise in high vacuum systems design, analysis, and construction.
  • Hands-on experience with vacuum components: chambers, pumps, seals, valves, ducts and clean room techniques.
  • Experience integrating electrical testing in vacuum systems and pressurized systems
  • Familiarity with ASME BPVC and B31.3 codes.
  • Experience with radioactive or toxic gas vacuum systems, novel vacuum pumps, or material characterization
Bonus Points For
  • Experience setting up wiring, circuits, control systems, diagnose electrical malfunctions and system failures using testing tools.
  • Machining and CAD design experience, CREO
Pay Range:
$138,100$219,900 USD
TOTAL COMPENSATION AND 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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNTITY

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.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE

This position may require access to information or technology that is subject to U.S. export control laws, such as ITAR or EAR. Under these regulations, we are required to ensure that such access is provided only to individuals who are classified as 'U.S. Persons.'This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.



RECRUITING AGENCIES

Pacific Fusion does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies without a fully executed recruitment agreement in place. In the absence of such agreement, Pacific Fusion reserves the right to pursue and hire any candidates without an obligation to pay fees. Agencies are requested not to contact Pacific Fusion hiring managers or employees regarding recruiting services.

HQ

Pacific Fusion Fremont, California, USA Office

Fremont, California, United States

Similar Jobs

15-20 Hourly
Junior
eCommerce • Fashion • Retail • Sales • Wearables • Design
Provides customer service and sales support in a luxury retail store. Responsibilities include welcoming clients, operating POS and cash wrap, suggesting products, processing shipments and transfers, maintaining stock levels, replenishing the sales floor, executing visual merchandising updates, supporting social media engagement, and following housekeeping and loss-prevention procedures. Requires flexible availability, physical ability to handle stockroom and sales-floor tasks, and strong communication and organizational skills.
Top Skills: InternetIpadLaptopMobile PosPosWalkie-Talkie
An Hour Ago
In-Office
99K-162K Annually
Senior level
99K-162K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Information Technology • Software • Cybersecurity • Design • Defense • Manufacturing
Develop and execute ASIC, FPGA, and SoC design verification activities using simulation, SystemVerilog, UVM, coverage analysis, debugging, requirements traceability, reusable verification infrastructure, and UVCs. Support integration and system-level investigations, contribute to coverage closure, communicate risks and dependencies, and progressively own verification scope of moderate complexity. Level II engineers develop independence, while Level III engineers independently manage assigned verification scope.
Top Skills: AsicFpgaOopRtlSimulationSocSystemverilogUvcUvm
An Hour Ago
In-Office
99K-162K Annually
Mid level
99K-162K Annually
Mid level
Aerospace • Information Technology • Software • Cybersecurity • Design • Defense • Manufacturing
Designs and supports ASIC, FPGA, and mixed digital systems for aerospace and defense programs. Responsibilities include requirements development, architecture support, HDL/RTL development, simulation, debugging, synthesis, FPGA implementation, timing analysis, verification collaboration, integration, troubleshooting, and technical status communication. The role may involve owning functional blocks, supporting subsystem efforts, and contributing to cross-functional technical leadership depending on experience level.
Top Skills: AsicClock-Domain Crossing (Cdc)FpgaHdlRtlSocStatic Timing AnalysisVlsi

What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene

San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area attracts more startup funding than any other region in the world. Home to Stanford University and UC Berkeley, leading VC firms and several of the world’s most valuable companies, the Bay Area is the place to go for anyone looking to make it big in the tech industry. That said, San Francisco has a lot to offer beyond technology thanks to a thriving art and music scene, excellent food and a short drive to several of the country’s most beautiful recreational areas.

Key Facts About San Francisco Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
  • Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
  • Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
  • Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account