Senior Project Engineer, Steel Structures
Pacific Fusion
$145,000 - $185,000 / year
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Description
About Pacific Fusion
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.
Our plans are ambitious. We have raised over $900M so far from incredible investors, resourcing us to deliver on these plans. We are bringing together the best scientists, engineers, and operators from the fusion community, hard tech industry, and other sectors. We are united by a shared sense of urgency to provide clean power for the world, particularly managing climate change while meeting growing global energy demand. You can read more about us in this letter from our founders.
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
TOTAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES
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Industry-competitive salary
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Equity plan
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6% employer 401k matching
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Generous paid time off (including sick leave, vacation, paid family leave)
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Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
Actual base salary offered will be determined by: experience, skills, and work location. This range is for base salary, our total compensation includes equity and benefits. We welcome you to apply even if your expectations are outside our listed range.
EQUAL OPPORTUNTITY
Pacific Fusion is committed to creating a diverse environment and is 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.
Pacific Fusion is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures and throughout employment. If you need assistance or any accommodation, please let us know.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE
This position may require access to information or technology that is subject to U.S. export control laws, such as ITAR or EAR. Under these regulations, we are required to ensure that such access is provided only to individuals who are classified as 'U.S. Persons.'This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
RECRUITING AGENCIES
Pacific Fusion does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies without a fully executed recruitment agreement in place. In the absence of such agreement, Pacific Fusion reserves the right to pursue and hire any candidates without an obligation to pay fees. Agencies are requested not to contact Pacific Fusion hiring managers or employees regarding recruiting services.
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
About this role
Pacific Fusion, a fusion energy company founded in 2023, is looking for a Senior Project Engineer to own the delivery of structural steel systems—tanks, platforms, and custom components—that will be central to their inertial fusion demonstration system. You'll manage the full lifecycle from procurement through installation: driving vendor selection and contract management, converting engineering designs into fabrication work packages, tracking progress across multiple sites, and ensuring quality and schedule adherence. This is a hands-on role requiring you to coordinate constantly with design, supply chain, construction, and leadership teams, identify risks early, and solve problems on the fly.
The ideal candidate has at least five years in project engineering, fabrication, or industrial construction, with solid knowledge of welding standards (AWS D1.1, D1.6, or ASME B31.3), the ability to read complex drawings and specifications, and experience managing vendor-built scopes involving welded or machined assemblies. You'll need strong schedule management and cross-functional communication skills, and a willingness to travel up to 50 percent between the San Leandro and Albuquerque sites and supplier locations. Prior experience in aerospace, energy, or first-of-a-kind hardware environments is valued, as is hands-on familiarity with field fit-up, weld inspection, and installation sequencing.
This is a contract position based in Albuquerque, paying $145,000–$185,000, with equity, 401k matching, and standard benefits. The role suits someone who thrives in fast-paced, evolving environments and wants to contribute directly to a well-funded, ambitious clean energy mission.
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Pay for this role
$145,000 to $185,000 per year
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