Joblaze summary

The Senior Project Engineer for Steel Structures at Pacific Fusion plays a crucial role in overseeing the procurement, installation, and commissioning of structural steel systems essential for fusion energy projects. This position demands a strong background in engineering, fabrication, and construction, along with expertise in managing complex vendor relationships and ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards. Ideal candidates will have over five years of relevant experience and a degree in a technical field, making this role suitable for seasoned professionals looking to contribute to innovative energy solutions. Pacific Fusion, a rapidly growing company founded in 2023, is focuse

Joblaze insights

Listed about 2 months ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on Pacific Fusion's careers page November 2, 2026.
This exact title is also open at 1 other location at Pacific Fusion: San Leandro, CA.
Salary band is above the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$129,391).
Starts above 50% of 1273 comparable senior other roles in United States we track (median $144,000 across 188 companies).

Quick facts

Is the Senior Project Engineer, Steel Structures role remote?: It's hybrid — Pacific Fusion expects some on-site time in Albuquerque, NM.
What's the salary range?: Pacific Fusion lists $145,000–$185,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 5 years of relevant experience for this Senior Project Engineer, Steel Structures role.
Where is the role based?: Pacific Fusion is hiring for this position in Albuquerque, NM.
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 Project Engineer, Steel Structures role at Pacific Fusion.

From the original posting

About Pacific Fusion

Why This Role Matters

Pacific Fusion is seeking an experienced & versatile Senior Project Engineer - Steel Structures to join our dynamic team and create the path to commercial fusion energy. You will lead the procurement, contract management, installation and commissioning of structural steel systems such as tanks, equipment platforms, and structural steel components for holding, lifting, moving and positioning critical equipment. This role requires a top-tier combination of engineering skills, technical expertise, fabrication and construction experience, problem-solving skills, and a proactive mindset to meet the exciting challenges in the field of fusion energy. As a senior engineer, you will be responsible for turnkey delivery and installation in enabling our fusion technology.

What You'll Do

Own execution of heavy fabrication and steel structures scopes across suppliers, internal stakeholders, and build sites
Convert design intent into executable work by driving requests for quotation, scope alignment, technical bid review, purchase order readiness, and fabrication kickoff
Build and maintain detailed execution plans covering engineering deliverables, procurement, fabrication, inspection, shipment, site readiness, installation, and closeout
Coordinate closely with design, supply chain, quality, construction, finance, and leadership to keep critical path scopes moving
Drive vendor engagement from pre-award through delivery, including schedule tracking, technical clarification, progress reviews, risk identification, and recovery planning
Develop and manage fabrication work packages, inspection documentation, nonconformance tracking, and turnover packages
Support fabrication and installation planning across San Leandro, CA, Albuquerque, NM, and supplier locations, with travel up to 50 percent as needed
Ensure work is executed to the required standards for safety, quality, cost, and schedule
Identify blockers early, escalate clearly, and drive practical solutions to maintain program momentum

What You Bring

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, construction engineering, or a related technical field
5+ years of experience in project engineering, fabrication, manufacturing, industrial construction, or related technical execution roles
Experience managing complex vendor-built scopes involving welded assemblies, structural steel, machined components, or industrial systems
Working knowledge of welding, fabrication, inspection, and manufacturing documentation
Familiarity with AWS D1.1, AWS D1.6 or ASME B31.3, and associated industry standards and practices
Ability to read engineering drawings, specifications, requests for quotation, inspection plans, and construction or fabrication scopes
Strong schedule management and cross-functional coordination skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to drive clarity across technical and non-technical teams
Willingness to travel up to 50 percent between San Leandro, vendors, and Albuquerque build sites

Bonus Points For

Experience in fusion, aerospace, energy, shipbuilding, heavy industrial, or other first-of-a-kind hardware environments
Experience owning supplier scopes from request for quotation through fabrication, delivery, and field installation
Familiarity with field fit-up, weld inspection, nonconformance resolution, and installation sequencing
Hands-on familiarity with welding, fabrication, and construction means and methods
Experience with large stainless steel structures, vacuum hardware, pressure systems, or custom tooling
Experience working in fast-paced environments with evolving designs and aggressive schedules

Pay Range:

$145,000—$185,000 USD

TOTAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES

RECRUITING AGENCIES

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

Senior Project Engineer, Steel Structures