Joblaze summary

In this role, the Senior Mechanical Engineer focuses on designing and testing advanced vacuum systems critical for the pulser-driven inertial fusion system. Key skills include expertise in high vacuum systems, hands-on experience with vacuum components, and familiarity with electrical testing in vacuum environments. This position is ideal for seasoned professionals with a strong background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, particularly those with over a decade of specialized experience. Pacific Fusion is a rapidly growing company committed to clean energy solutions, bringing together top talent from various sectors.

Joblaze insights

Listed about 2 months ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on Pacific Fusion's careers page October 23, 2026.
Salary band is in line with the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$129,582).
Starts above 41% of 1274 comparable senior other roles in United States we track (median $144,000 across 188 companies).
Creo appears in 0.2% of 2616 comparable senior other roles in United States; vacuum systems appears in 0.1% of 2616 comparable senior other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?: Pacific Fusion lists $138,100–$219,900 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 10 years of relevant experience for this Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems role.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: ASME BPVC, B31.3, Creo, High Vacuum Systems, vacuum systems.
Does Pacific Fusion sponsor work visas for this role?: Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.
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 - Vacuum Systems role at Pacific Fusion.

From the original posting

About Pacific Fusion

Why This Role Matters

This role is critical to design assembly and integration for testing key components of our pulser system.

What You'll Do

Design, analyze, and test advanced vacuum systems for target area chambers and diagnostics.
Select and size vacuum components, including pumps, seals, ducts, and valves, ensuring performance in particle-free cryogenic environments.
Rapid prototyping for fusion technology applications.
Lead technical and engineering activities from concept development through final onsite commissioning of vacuum equipment and systems.
Supporting high-voltage electrical switching operations and testing in a vacuum chamber
Perform experiments to characterize materials for outgassing, permeability, and vacuum compatibility.
Provide solutions to field issues related to vacuum system design and performance.
Collaborate cross-functionally to educate and negotiate design requirements within a multidisciplinary team.

What You Bring

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering or a related field, Master's or PhD is a plus. Alternatively, a minimum of 10 years specialized experience as a senior technician—with demonstrated responsibilities in system design, independent testing, and complex troubleshooting.
Proven expertise in high vacuum systems design, analysis, and construction.
Hands-on experience with vacuum components: chambers, pumps, seals, valves, ducts and clean room techniques.
Experience integrating electrical testing in vacuum systems and pressurized systems
Familiarity with ASME BPVC and B31.3 codes.
Experience with radioactive or toxic gas vacuum systems, novel vacuum pumps, or material characterization

Bonus Points For

Experience setting up wiring, circuits, control systems, diagnose electrical malfunctions and system failures using testing tools.
Machining and CAD design experience, CREO

Pay Range:

$156,500—$219,900 USD

TOTAL COMPENSATION AND 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

RECRUITING AGENCIES

Standard company text repeated across Pacific Fusion's postings is omitted here.

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems