Senior Mechanical Engineer - Test Infrastructure
Lead the mechanical design and implementation of core components for a nuclear fusion demonstration system at a rapidly growing startup.
Posted by employer 2 months ago
First seen on Joblaze 1 month ago
Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago
Skills & Technologies
Requirements
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
Not disclosed in this posting: work arrangement, visa sponsorship.
Benefits
Joblaze summary
In the role of Senior Mechanical Engineer at Pacific Fusion, the individual will oversee the mechanical design and structural analysis of critical components for a nuclear fusion demonstration system. This position requires advanced skills in 3D CAD modeling and finite element analysis, along with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles. Ideal candidates will have over five years of experience in complex hardware systems and a deep understanding of manufacturing techniques. The company, founded in 2023, is focused on innovative clean energy solutions and fosters a collaborative environment among top professionals in the field.
Joblaze insights
- Listed about a month ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on Pacific Fusion's careers page October 31, 2026.
- Salary band is in line with the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$128,600).
- Starts above 40% of 10 comparable senior other roles in United States that list 3D CAD we track (median $145,050 across 8 companies).
- 3D CAD appears in 0.7% of 2597 comparable senior other roles in United States; Design for Manufacturability appears in 0.1% of 2597 comparable senior other roles in United States.
Quick facts
- What's the salary range?
- Pacific Fusion lists $138,100–$263,800 for this role.
- How much experience is required?
- At least 5 years of relevant experience for this Senior Mechanical Engineer - Test Infrastructure role.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: 3D CAD, Design for Assembly, Design for Manufacturability, finite element analysis.
- What seniority level is this role?
- Pacific Fusion targets senior candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Senior Mechanical Engineer - Test Infrastructure role at Pacific Fusion.
From the original posting
About Pacific Fusion
Why This Role Matters
Pacific Fusion is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design, structural analysis, and physical implementation of core components and assemblies for our nuclear fusion demonstration system. In this role, you will take ownership of complex hardware from concept through detailed 3D CAD modeling, rigorous structural analysis, and final system integration. Working closely with physics, systems engineering, and manufacturing teams, you will tackle high-impact, high-precision engineering challenges to turn physics requirements into robust, high-performance hardware.
What You'll Do
- Lead the end-to-end mechanical design, 3D CAD modeling, and detail engineering of complex high-performance components and assemblies.
- Perform hand calculations, first-principles mechanical design, and advanced finite element analysis.
- Translate high-level physics requirements, spatial constraints, and boundary conditions into robust engineering models and hardware specifications.
- Conduct detailed tolerance stack-up analyses and impact assessments on part variances to ensure strict design interface requirements are met.
- Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) best practices to optimize performance, weight, cost, and lead times.
- Interface with cross-functional teams (physics, system integration, manufacturing) to resolve complex design trade-offs and mitigate technical risk.
- Prepare and maintain comprehensive engineering documentation, including fully dimensioned detail drawings (GD&T), and design review packages.
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering required; Master’s or PhD is a plus.
- 5+ years of hands-on experience in mechanical design and structural/thermal analysis for complex hardware systems.
- Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD modeling software (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks).
- Extensive practical experience applying Finite Element Analysis software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, or Creo Simulate) to evaluate stress, fatigue, thermal effects, and structural integrity.
- Deep understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5), tolerance stack-up analysis, and material selection for demanding environments.
- Strong knowledge of advanced manufacturing techniques (machining, additive manufacturing, precision welding) and DFM/DFA principles.
- Strong problem-solving capabilities with a solid foundation in engineering fundamentals.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of cross-functional technical leadership.
TOTAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES
RECRUITING AGENCIES
Standard company text repeated across Pacific Fusion's postings is omitted here.
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