Senior Mechanical Engineer - Optical Diagnostics

The role

You will design, analyze, integrate, and validate mechanical systems and components for an advanced fusion energy platform. This includes owning mechanical scope end-to-end and providing expertise for advanced diagnostic instrumentation.

What you will do

• Own assigned mechanical scope end-to-end
• Provide subject matter expertise in mechanical design and analysis for advanced diagnostic instrumentation
• Own mechanical systems of large capital equipment through its lifecycle
• Develop precision motion solutions compatible with high-vacuum and radiation environments
• Design medium to large-scale structural systems and pressure vessels
• Define and verify mechanical alignment requirements for optical and detector systems
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models and 2D fabrication drawings with GD&T
• Perform FEA to validate designs against shock, vibration, and loads
• Drive hardware from prototype through delivery, installation, and commissioning
• Maintain rigorous revision control and configuration management in PDM/PLM systems

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field
• Strong first-principles engineering instincts and problem-solving skills
• 5+ years’ experience in mechanical design for vacuum-compatible instrumentation
• Expert proficiency in a professional 3D CAD platform (Creo, NX, or SolidWorks)
• GD&T
• Producing detailed manufacturing drawings
• Significant experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, COMSOL) for structural analysis
• Ability to navigate competing design constraints
• Ability to operate as an effective individual contributor
• Ability to drive cross-functional stakeholders
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to work closely with team members and project manager in fast-paced environment

Nice to have

• Advanced degree
• Experience in fusion, plasma physics, accelerator physics, defense, or other high-consequence technical environments
• Familiarity with large optics and opto-mechanical design principles

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

Before you apply

• Access may require being a 'U.S. Person' (U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending)

About the company

Pacific Fusion was founded in 2023 with the mission to power the world with abundant, affordable, clean energy. The company is designing and building a pulser-driven inertial fusion system.