Job description

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 seeking an experienced & versatile Senior Project Engineer - Steel Structures to join our dynamic team and create the path to commercial fusion energy. You will lead the procurement, contract management, installation and commissioning of structural steel systems such as tanks, equipment platforms, and structural steel components for holding, lifting, moving and positioning critical equipment. This role requires a top-tier combination of engineering skills, technical expertise, fabrication and construction experience, problem-solving skills, and a proactive mindset to meet the exciting challenges in the field of fusion energy. As a senior engineer, you will be responsible for turnkey delivery and installation in enabling our fusion technology.

What You'll Do

Own execution of heavy fabrication and steel structures scopes across suppliers, internal stakeholders, and build sites
Convert design intent into executable work by driving requests for quotation, scope alignment, technical bid review, purchase order readiness, and fabrication kickoff
Build and maintain detailed execution plans covering engineering deliverables, procurement, fabrication, inspection, shipment, site readiness, installation, and closeout
Coordinate closely with design, supply chain, quality, construction, finance, and leadership to keep critical path scopes moving
Drive vendor engagement from pre-award through delivery, including schedule tracking, technical clarification, progress reviews, risk identification, and recovery planning
Develop and manage fabrication work packages, inspection documentation, nonconformance tracking, and turnover packages
Support fabrication and installation planning across San Leandro, CA, Albuquerque, NM, and supplier locations, with travel up to 50 percent as needed
Ensure work is executed to the required standards for safety, quality, cost, and schedule
Identify blockers early, escalate clearly, and drive practical solutions to maintain program momentum

What You Bring

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, construction engineering, or a related technical field
5+ years of experience in project engineering, fabrication, manufacturing, industrial construction, or related technical execution roles
Experience managing complex vendor-built scopes involving welded assemblies, structural steel, machined components, or industrial systems
Working knowledge of welding, fabrication, inspection, and manufacturing documentation
Familiarity with AWS D1.1, AWS D1.6 or ASME B31.3, and associated industry standards and practices
Ability to read engineering drawings, specifications, requests for quotation, inspection plans, and construction or fabrication scopes
Strong schedule management and cross-functional coordination skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to drive clarity across technical and non-technical teams
Willingness to travel up to 50 percent between San Leandro, vendors, and Albuquerque build sites

Bonus Points For

Experience in fusion, aerospace, energy, shipbuilding, heavy industrial, or other first-of-a-kind hardware environments
Experience owning supplier scopes from request for quotation through fabrication, delivery, and field installation
Familiarity with field fit-up, weld inspection, nonconformance resolution, and installation sequencing
Hands-on familiarity with welding, fabrication, and construction means and methods
Experience with large stainless steel structures, vacuum hardware, pressure systems, or custom tooling
Experience working in fast-paced environments with evolving designs and aggressive schedules

Pay Range:

$145,000—$185,000 USD

Total Compensation & 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.

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.

Senior Project Engineer, Steel Structures at pacificfusion | AI Job Board