Senior Target Fabrication Engineer - Assembly

About the role

Pacific Fusion is seeking a Senior Target Fabrication Engineer to join our growing target fabrication team. The ideal candidate will manage the end-to-end delivery of fusion targets, ensuring all technical requirements, budgets, and schedules are met. They will lead precision assembly of complex target systems, coordinate across working groups, establish project timelines, and oversee quality control.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end delivery of fusion targets to internal departments, ensuring all technical requirements, budgets, and schedules are met.
• Lead the precision assembly of complex target systems, utilizing specialized techniques to integrate components with micron-level accuracy.
• Capture internal customer requirements and translate them into actionable fabrication and assembly plans.
• Design and implement assembly fixtures and specialized tooling to improve the repeatability and reliability of target builds.
• Establish project timelines and resource plans to transition from R&D prototypes to a high-throughput production environment.
• Oversee quality control and documentation for delivered targets, ensuring each assembly meets rigorous design intent and inspection standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field; a Master’s or PhD is a plus.
• Proven experience in project management within a precision engineering environment, specifically managing the delivery of complex assemblies.
• Hands-on expertise in precision assembly techniques and a deep understanding of GD&T and technical drawings.
• Ability to drive a project through all stages of development, from initial concept and prototyping to high-cadence internal delivery.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to act as a technical liaison between scientists, engineers, and fabrication technicians.
• Proficiency in CAD modeling for the design of assembly jigs, fixtures, and handling equipment.

Qualifications

• Experience managing small-scale, high-complexity hardware with micron-level tolerances and delicate material interfaces.
• Deep understanding of chemical and material bonding techniques including glue, epoxy, soldering, and precision welding.
• Background in automated assembly or developing semi-automated systems for a production environment.
• Familiarity with cleanroom operations and cryogenic vacuum systems.
• Knowledge of advanced metrology for verifying complex 3D assemblies, such as radiography or tomography.

Skills

• Project Management
• Precision Assembly Techniques
• GD&T and Technical Drawings
• Communication Skills
• Automation and Semi-Automation
• Cleanroom Operations
• Advanced Metrology

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

Pay Range: $175,900—$263,800 USD

Total Compensation & Benefits

• Total compensation includes equity and benefits.
• Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are provided.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are 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.