Senior Structures Engineer
Pacific Fusion
Other Engineering
San Leandro, CA, USA
USD 175,900-265,800 / year + Equity
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
Pacific Fusion is looking for a Senior Structures Engineer to help with design, analysis, and validation of critical mechanical, structural systems necessary for the installation, commissioning, and operations of our fusion systems. This role requires extensive expertise across structural analysis, mechanical design, and construction engineering to safely and efficiently execute complex projects in a high-precision environment.
What You'll Do
- Drive and develop innovative designs for the specialized tools and equipment required for the installation, maintenance, heavy-lift, and high-precision alignment of large fusion machine components.
- Design temporary support structures—including frames, fixtures, falsework, scaffolding, and temporary hoists—required for the installation and erection of the fusion machine.
- Own the structural interfaces between the fusion machine and the civil facility, including the design of foundation embedments, anchorages, and load-distribution steelwork.
- Design and analyze seismic restraint systems and vibration isolation mounts to protect high-precision, high-mass fusion components.
- Design test stands and develop load-proofing protocols to physically validate custom lifting and handling equipment prior to active use.
- Provide miscellaneous structural engineering support and detailed mechanical analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), for various mechanical design scopes and high-load systems.
- Design permanent and temporary platforms, access structures, and related structural engineering components across a broad scope.
- Ensure all designs adhere to relevant codes and standards, including ASME BTH-1, ASME B30.20, ASCE 37, and OSHA access and safety requirements.
- Work closely with contractors, vendors, and manufacturers to ensure that construction means, methods, techniques, sequences, and designs are practical and manufacturable.
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including construction and civil groups, to ensure seamless integration of system designs and facility requirements.
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Structural Engineering required.
- 10+ years of work experience as a Design Engineer, with a proven track record in complex structural, mechanical, or installation-support systems.
- Deep working knowledge of structural and safety codes, specifically ASME BTH-1, ASME B30.20, ASCE 37, and OSHA requirements.
- Familiarity with construction procedures, temporary structures, and construction engineering and installation support.
- Proven success in designing and building multi-degree of freedom precision systems and high-load lifting equipment.
- Expertise in engineering analysis, including the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural integrity and dynamic/fatigue loading.Proven expertise in structural analysis, including the proficient application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to assess dynamic/fatigue loading and ensure structural integrity.
- Strong understanding of material properties, manufacturing processes, and Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
- Advanced knowledge of CAD software and extensive experience in GD&T.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and project coordination skills.
Bonus Points For
- Professional Engineer (PE) license in NM.
- Experience in the design and execution of actuated systems, heavy jacking operations, and complex preloading systems.
- Experience delivering major, first-of-a-kind systems or projects with budgets exceeding $100 million
- Experience working in a startup environment.
Total Compensation & Benefits for Eligible Employees
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Industry-competitive salary
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Equity plan
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6% employer 401k matching
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Generous paid time off (including sick leave, vacation, paid family leave)
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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.
