People Operations & Business Partner

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.

Job Overview:

The People Operations and Business Partner role is a strategic position responsible for aligning human resources initiatives with business goals to drive organizational success. This role fosters a positive employee experience by collaborating with the Head of People on culture, talent management, employee relations, and organizational development. Acting as a trusted advisor, the People Operations and Business Partner works closely with leadership to implement people-centric solutions that enhance performance and engagement. Additionally, this role oversees people operations, applying best practices and driving continuous improvement to ensure a positive employee experience and compliance with legal requirements. With a data-driven approach, the People Operations and Business Partner utilizes insights to support workforce planning, retention, and culture-building initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build trusted partnerships with leaders by providing strategic guidance and actionable, data-driven insights

• Act as a coach and advisor to managers on people-related strategies, performance management, and organizational development

Operational Excellence

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of core HR processes, including onboarding, HRIS management, benefits administration, offboarding, and compliance

• Ensure all People Operations processes are efficient, compliant, and scalable as the organization grows

Collaboration with Talent Acquisition

• Partner with Talent Acquisition and hiring managers to attract top talent across technical and non-technical functions

Program Development

• Design and implement people programs aligned with business goals, focusing on DEI, performance management, career development, talent management, and employee engagement

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Leverage HR technology to optimize user experience, data collection, and reporting

• Use HR analytics to inform strategic decisions, drive organizational change, and measure program effectiveness

Key Qualities for Success

• Humble: You seek out diverse perspectives, are open to feedback, and embrace a learning mindset. No task is too small.

• Data-Driven: You base your decisions on evidence and use metrics to measure success

• Resilient: You thrive in a fast-paced environment, adapt to change, and remain calm under pressure

• Resourceful: You think creatively to solve complex problems with innovative solutions

• Collaborative: You excel in cross-functional teamwork, operate in an inclusive way and build strong relationships across all levels of the organization

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

• 5+ years of HR or People Operations experience, ideally in scientific industries or startups

• SHRM-CP certification or equivalent preferred

• Demonstrated experience in multiple HR disciplines, including employee relations, benefits, compensation, and talent management and program development

• Proven ability to manage HR technology and leverage analytics for decision-making

• Strong interpersonal skills with a track record of building trusted relationships

Benefits:

• 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.

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.

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.