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
This role will drive transitioning prototype components to production-ready pulser systems.
What You'll Do
- Own end-to-end manufacturing processes for pulser module assembly, from work instruction development through build completion and acceptance
- Manage the transition of new electrical components from the design and prototyping phase into full-scale production and integration for new product introduction
- Work alongside the technicians to provide fast solutions that can be quickly executed to keep the build progressing
- Support documentation handoff to the production team for the build processes as well as issues and their respective resolutions
- Manage build schedule using Microsoft project to communicate within the company
- Partner with design engineering to provide manufacturing feedback, drive DFM improvements, and support first article builds
- Identify and resolve production non-conformances, leading root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence
- Define and develop tooling, fixtures, and equipment requirements to support safe, efficient, and repeatable assembly operations
- Track and report production metrics — cycle time, yield, first pass rate — and drive initiatives to hit and exceed targets
- Support the scale-up of assembly operations as Pacific Fusion transitions from low-rate initial production to higher volume output
- Support schedule management by clearly defining steps to completion
What You Bring
- 3–7 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience in a hands-on production environment
- Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring technicians on a production floor
- Strong understanding of mechanical assembly processes, work instruction development, and production documentation
- Hands-on experience with complex electromechanical assembly — high voltage, pulsed power, precision mechanical, or similarly demanding hardware preferred
- Familiarity with quality management systems, non-conformance processes, and root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone)
- Ability to read, interpret, and create engineering drawings, schematics, and GD&T
- Comfortable working in an early-stage, fast-moving environment where processes are still being defined
- Hands on experience working at a startup building the prototype units
- Familiarity with standard machining processes and capable of running equipment
Bonus Points For
- Experience with a focus on vacuum seals and systems, including rough, high, and ultra-high vacuum environments
- Experience in aerospace, defense, energy, or other high-complexity hardware industries
- Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement frameworks
- Experience supporting first-of-kind or prototype-to-production transitions
- Exposure to high voltage or pulsed power systems
- BS in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- Experience using CREO
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.
