Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Positioning Systems

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Positioning Systems Pacific Fusion Design San Leandro, CA, USA

USD 175,900-263,800

/ year + Equity Posted on Jan 27, 2026 Apply now 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 . Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Positioning Systems Why This Role Matters Pacific Fusion is seeking an exceptional Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join our dynamic team and create the path to commercial fusion energy. You will lead the design, development, and validation of mechanical components and positioning systems integral to our advanced fusion energy systems. This role requires a top-tier combination of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a proactive mindset to meet the exciting challenges in the field of fusion energy. As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you will lead collaborative and challenging projects and play a vital role in driving the overall development effort. What You'll Do Drive and develop innovative mechanical designs for complex, multi-degree of freedom positioning systems while adhering to ambitious timelines. Lead the implementation of design changes and improvements across positioning systems. Work closely with vendors and manufacturers to ensure designs are practical, cost-effective, and manufacturable. Provide mechanical analysis on various systems. Conduct design reviews and provide critical feedback to improve system performance and reliability. Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams (including electrical, software, and manufacturing engineers) to integrate system-level designs. Rapidly iterate on designs and prototypes developing integrated test beds as required. Oversee the creation of detailed design documentation and specifications. Participate in risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies. What You Bring A Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering is required. A Master's Degree or PhD is a plus. 10+ years work experience as a Mechanical Design Engineer. Advanced knowledge of CAD software - Creo being preferred - with extensive experience in GD&T. Experience in the application of mechanical engineering analysis including Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Proven track record of successfully designing, developing and building multi-degree of freedom, precision systems. Extensive knowledge of material properties and their impact on precision engineering. Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and guide junior engineers. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and DFM (Design for Manufacturability). Excellent problem-solving skills, with a strong attention to detail. Experience in hands-on engineering design, rapid iteration, and creative problem solving in a laboratory setting.

Pay Range:

$175,900 — $263,800 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. Apply now See more open positions at Pacific Fusion