Senior Manufacturing Engineer - NPI

Fremont, CA

About the role

<div class="content-intro"><h2><strong>About Pacific Fusion</strong></h2> <p>Pacific Fusion was founded in 2023 with the mission to power the world with abundant, affordable, clean energy.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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 <a href="https://pacificfusion.com/updates/founders-letter" target="_blank"><u>this letter from our founders</u></a>.</p></div><h1><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Why This Role Matters</strong></span></h1> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This role will drive transitioning prototype components to production-ready pulser systems.</span></p> <h2><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>

What You'll Do</strong></span></h2> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Own end-to-end manufacturing processes for pulser module assembly, from work instruction development through build completion and acceptance<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Manage the transition of new electrical components from the design and prototyping phase into full-scale production and integration for new product introduction<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Work alongside the technicians to provide fast solutions that can be quickly executed to keep the build progressing<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Support documentation handoff to the production team for the build processes as well as issues and their respective resolutions<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Manage build schedule using Microsoft project to communicate within the company<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Partner with design engineering to provide manufacturing feedback, drive DFM improvements, and support first article builds<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Identify and resolve production non-conformances, leading root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Define and develop tooling, fixtures, and equipment 

requirements to support safe, efficient, and repeatable assembly operations<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Track and report production metrics — cycle time, yield, first pass rate — and drive initiatives to hit and exceed targets</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Support the scale-up of assembly operations as Pacific Fusion transitions from low-rate initial production to higher volume output<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Support schedule management by clearly defining steps to completion</span></li> </ul> <h2><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>What You Bring</strong></span></h2> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">3–7 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience in a hands-on production environment<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring technicians on a production floor<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Strong understanding of mechanical assembly processes, work instruction development, and production documentation<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Hands-on experience with complex electromechanical assembly — high voltage, pulsed power, precision mechanical, or similarly demanding hardware preferred<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Familiarity with quality management systems, non-conformance processes, and root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone)<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ability to read, interpret, and create engineering drawings, schematics, and GD&T<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Comfortable working in an early-stage, fast-moving environment where processes are still being defined<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Hands on experience working at a startup building the prototype units<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Familiarity with standard machining processes and capable of running equipment</span></li> </ul> <h2><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>

Bonus Points For</strong></span></h2> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience with a focus on vacuum seals and systems, including rough, high, and ultra-high vacuum environments</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience in aerospace, defense, energy, or other high-complexity hardware industries<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement frameworks<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience supporting first-of-kind or prototype-to-production transitions<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Exposure to high voltage or pulsed power systems<br></span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">BS in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience)</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience using CREO</span></li> </ul><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Pay Range: </div><div class="pay-range"><span>$138,100</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$207,100 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><h3><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TOTAL

COMPENSATION AND

BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES</strong></span></h3> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Industry-competitive salary</span></p> </li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Equity plan</span></p> </li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">6% employer 401k matching</span></p> </li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Generous paid time off (including sick leave, vacation, paid family leave)</span></p> </li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance</span></p> </li> </ul> <p><em>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. </em></p> <h3><strong>EQUAL OPPORTUNTITY</strong></h3> <p><em>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.</em></p> <p><em>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. </em></p> <h3><strong>U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE</strong></h3> <p><em>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.<br></em></p> <p> </p> <p><em><strong><br>RECRUITING AGENCIES</strong></em></p> <p><em>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.</em></p></div>

About Pacific Fusion

Pacific Fusion is engaged in the development of renewable energy power generation with a focus on affordable fusion power. Drawing inspiration from nature, the company is committed to leveraging established scientific principles while prioritizing scalability from the outset. With a team size of 11-50 employees, Pacific Fusion operates as a privately held entity. The company's efforts are directed towards creating sustainable energy solutions that can contribute to the clean energy sector. Pacific Fusion's approach combines innovation with practical design to address the growing demand for renewable energy sources.

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Job details

Salary

$138,100 - $207,100

Location

Fremont, CA

Company

NamePacific Fusion
IndustryAlternative Energy Equipment
Team Size3

Funding

Total raised

$900M

Last stage

Series A

Investors

General Catalyst
BBreakthrough Energy Ventures
Lowercarbon Capital
LLightspeed
TTrousdale Ventures

Founders

EL

Eric Lander

Co-founder and CEO

Will Regan

Will Regan

Co-founder and President

LinkedIn
CV

Carrie von Muench

Co-founder and COO

KL

Keith LeChien

Co-Founder & CTO

LinkedIn

What happens next.

No applications, no recruiter spam. Just the intro.

01

Confirm the fit

A few questions to make sure this role is the right shape for you. Two minutes.

02

I pitch you to the company

I write the intro, send it to the founder, and handle the back-and-forth.

03

A meeting lands on your calendar

If they’re a yes, I book the chat. You show up — that’s the whole job-hunt.