The posting
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
As the Facilities Engineer, you will be the primary technical bridge between our fusion demonstration system design team and the facility infrastructure. This is a high-impact role responsible for the integration of complex mechanical and electrical systems that power and support our fusion demonstration system. You will manage the interface where cutting-edge science meets industrial-scale engineering, overseeing design consultants to develop bespoke hardware and ensuring the facility's infrastructure is perfectly synchronized with the machine’s operational requirements. This position is based in San Leandro, California, and will require up to 25% travel to our Los Lunas, New Mexico facility for the first 2 years to embed with the design team during the critical engineering phase. The role will transition to Los Lunas, New Mexico in 2028, after which the expectation is relocation to New Mexico or near 100% presence in New Mexico.
What You'll Do
- Oversee the interface between the fusion demonstration system design and the facility infrastructure, ensuring M&E systems (power, cooling, and utilities) meet stringent scientific requirements
- Manage relationships and technical deliverables with external design consultants to develop large-scale mechanical and electrical hardware supporting the system
- Work with the Infrastructure Design Team to ensure facility systems are documented and designed appropriately for permitting, construction, and long-term operations
- Support the physical assembly and construction of the fusion demonstration system, coordinating the installation of critical subsystems within the facility
- Support the development of utility systems including high-voltage electrical distribution, specialized cooling loops, and vacuum system infrastructure
- Support the commissioning and transition of building systems from construction into full-scale research operations
What You Bring
- Minimum BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (Dual-discipline familiarity is a significant plus)
- 10+ years of experience in the design, construction, and commissioning of large-scale industrial or scientific research facilities
- Proven track record managing complex M&E infrastructure, including high-voltage power, process piping, and industrial cooling
- Significant experience managing engineering consultants and large- scale hardware procurement contracts
- Proactive, "DOer," and self-starter capable of navigating the ambiguity of a first-of-a-kind research project
- A positive attitude and the ability to influence cross-functional teams of scientists, engineers, and contractors
Bonus Points For
- Previous experience at a National Laboratory (e.g., SNL, LANL, LLNL) or similar highly-regulated research environments
- Experience overseeing construction or facilities involving radiological shielding, hot cells, or other high-energy physics hazards
- Knowledge of pulsed-power infrastructure, ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments, or cryogenic systems
- PE (Professional Engineer) license
- Experience working closely with PhD scientists and R&D organizations to translate theoretical needs into physical hardware
Pay Range:
$138,100—$207,100 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.
