Senior Manufacturing Engineer

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. We have raised over $900M from investors and are bringing together scientists, engineers, and operators to deliver on our ambitious plans.

About the role

As a Sr. Manufacturing Engineer on the Pulser Module Assembly team, you'll be on the shop floor every day — owning the processes, tooling, and workflows that bring our core fusion hardware to life. You'll work alongside a small team of technicians, drive continuous improvement across the build line, and collaborate closely with design engineering to ensure our pulser modules are built right, every time. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role at the center of Pacific Fusion's production operations.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end manufacturing processes for pulser module assembly, from work instruction development through build completion and acceptance
• Work alongside technicians to provide fast, executable solutions that keep the build progressing
• Support documentation handoff to the production team for build processes, issues, and resolutions
• Manage build schedule using Microsoft Project to communicate progress within the company
• Partner with design engineering to provide manufacturing feedback, drive DFM improvements, and support first article builds
• Identify and resolve production non-conformances, leading root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions
• Define and develop tooling, fixturing, and equipment requirements to support safe, efficient, and repeatable assembly operations
• Track and report production metrics — cycle time, yield, first pass rate — and drive initiatives to hit and exceed targets
• Support the scale-up of assembly operations as Pacific Fusion transitions from low-rate initial production to higher volume output
• Support schedule management by clearly defining steps to completion

Requirements

• 3–7 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience in a hands-on production environment
• Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring technicians on a production floor
• Strong understanding of mechanical assembly processes, work instruction development, and production documentation
• Hands-on experience with complex electromechanical assembly — high voltage, pulsed power, precision mechanical, or similarly demanding hardware preferred
• Familiarity with quality management systems, non-conformance processes, and root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone)
• Ability to read, interpret, and create engineering drawings, schematics, and GD&T
• Comfortable working in an early-stage, fast-moving environment where processes are still being defined
• Hands-on experience working at a startup building prototype units
• Familiarity with standard machining processes and capable of running equipment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, defense, energy, or other high-complexity hardware industries
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement frameworks
• Experience supporting first-of-kind or prototype-to-production transitions
• Exposure to high voltage or pulsed power systems
• BS in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience)

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

Pay

Base salary range: $138,100 - $207,100 USD. Total compensation includes equity and benefits. The actual base salary offered will be determined by experience, skills, and work location.

Location: San Leandro, CA