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Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems

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 pulsed magnetic 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

About the role

As a critical member of our engineering team, the Senior Mechanical Engineer – Vacuum Systems will lead the design, analysis, and implementation of cutting-edge vacuum systems, enabling the next generation of fusion technology.

Responsibilities

  • 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.

  • Lead engineering activities from concept development through final onsite commissioning of vacuum equipment and systems.

  • Conduct detailed thermodynamic, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and structural mechanics analyses to support system development.

  • 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.

Qualifications

  • B.Sc., M.Sc., or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.

  • 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.

  • Proficiency in vacuum modeling tools (e.g., COMSOL, MolFlow, or OpenFOAM) and FEA/CFD analysis.

  • Familiarity with ASME BPVC and B31.3 codes.

  • Experience with radioactive or toxic gas vacuum systems, novel vacuum pumps, or material characterization.

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

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. 

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. 

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.

Average salary estimate

$110000 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$90000K
$130000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems, Pacific Fusion

Join Pacific Fusion as a Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems and be part of a groundbreaking team dedicated to spearheading clean energy solutions! Founded in 2023, Pacific Fusion is on a mission to revolutionize the energy sector through our innovative pulsed magnetic fusion technology. We're designing and building advanced systems that promise to deliver more fusion energy output than what is currently consumed, and we need your expertise! In this role, you'll take the reins in leading the design, analysis, and implementation of state-of-the-art vacuum systems pivotal for our next-gen fusion technology. You'll work on exciting projects involving vacuum components, ensuring performance in ultra-pure cryogenic environments, and guiding engineering efforts from concept through to onsite commissioning. Your knowledge in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics will be invaluable as you tackle challenges and conduct experiments to push the boundaries of vacuum system performance. Collaboration is key in our multidisciplinary team, and your ability to educate and negotiate design requirements will help drive our ambitious projects forward. With your advanced degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and proven experience in high vacuum systems, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of clean energy at Pacific Fusion. We offer a competitive salary, equity plans, and generous benefits because we believe in creating a rewarding environment for our talented team members. Come, make a difference with us!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems Role at Pacific Fusion
What are the responsibilities of a Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems at Pacific Fusion?

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems at Pacific Fusion, you'll lead the design, analysis, and implementation of cutting-edge vacuum systems crucial for fusion technology advancements. Your responsibilities will include selecting and sizing vacuum components, conducting detailed analyses, performing material experiments, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure all systems perform optimally and meet design requirements.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems position at Pacific Fusion?

To apply for the Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems role at Pacific Fusion, you should possess a B.Sc., M.Sc., or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. Additionally, proven expertise in high vacuum systems design, hands-on experience with vacuum components, and familiarity with relevant modeling tools and codes are essential for this position.

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What kind of projects will I be working on as a Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems at Pacific Fusion?

In your role as a Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems at Pacific Fusion, you'll be working on innovative projects that involve the design and optimization of advanced vacuum systems for fusion reactors. You’ll be involved in both theoretical and experimental aspects, contributing to the development of technologies that could significantly impact clean energy production.

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What skills are essential for success as a Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems at Pacific Fusion?

Success as a Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems at Pacific Fusion relies on your strong background in vacuum systems design and analysis, hands-on experience with vacuum components, and proficiency in modeling tools such as COMSOL or OpenFOAM. Additionally, your skills in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and collaboration will be key in driving project success.

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What benefits can I expect as a Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems at Pacific Fusion?

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems at Pacific Fusion, you can expect an industry-competitive salary, an equity plan, a generous 401k with employer matching, and paid time off that includes vacation and family leave. Our comprehensive health benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, all designed to support your well-being and work-life balance.

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How does Pacific Fusion support diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

Pacific Fusion values diversity and inclusion, actively fostering an environment where all qualified applicants are viewed equitably, regardless of race, gender, disability, or other factors. We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and support reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout employment.

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What is the mission of Pacific Fusion and how does the Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems fit into that mission?

Pacific Fusion aims to power the world with abundant, clean energy through our innovative fusion technology. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems, you'll play a critical role in advancing our mission by designing and implementing systems that are essential for creating sustainable energy solutions. Your work directly contributes to our goals of meeting global energy demands while tackling climate change.

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Common Interview Questions for Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems
Can you describe your experience with vacuum systems and components?

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you've designed or implemented vacuum systems. Discuss your hands-on experience with components such as pumps, seals, and ducts, and mention any modeling tools you've used to optimize system performance.

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How do you approach thermodynamic and fluid mechanics analysis in your designs?

Explain your modeling approach, including any software tools you utilize for thermal and fluid analysis. Mention how these analyses influence your design decisions and how you ensure the system's functionality under expected conditions.

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What are the key factors you consider when selecting vacuum components?

Discuss how you assess factors like compatibility, performance specifications, material properties, and environmental conditions. Providing examples from past projects can strengthen your answer.

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Can you give an example of a challenging problem you've solved related to vacuum systems?

Share a specific instance where you faced a complex issue with vacuum system performance. Describe how you diagnosed the problem, the steps you took to develop a solution, and the outcome, focusing on your analytical and problem-solving skills.

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How do you ensure compliance with engineering standards and codes in your designs?

Talk about your familiarity with relevant standards such as ASME BPVC and B31.3, and explain how you integrate compliance checks into your design and review process to ensure that all systems meet industry requirements.

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Describe your collaboration process when working with cross-functional teams.

Emphasize your communication skills and how you engage with team members from different disciplines. Provide examples of how you’ve successfully negotiated design requirements and fostered productive discussions to drive projects forward.

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What steps do you take when performing material characterization for vacuum compatibility?

Outline the methods you use to evaluate materials for outgassing and permeability. Discuss your approach to conducting experiments and analyzing results to ensure materials are suitable for high vacuum environments.

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How do you keep up with advancements in vacuum technology?

Share your strategies for staying informed about industry trends, such as attending conferences, participating in webinars, and reading relevant publications. Highlight your enthusiasm for continuous learning and innovation in vacuum systems.

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What role does testing play in your design process?

Discuss the importance of testing as a critical part of your design process. Share examples of how testing has informed your designs and how it helps to validate performance before final implementation.

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How do you prioritize your tasks when leading a project?

Explain your approach to project management, including how you assess project requirements and critical path tasks. Discuss tools or techniques you use for efficient prioritization to ensure timely project completion.

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Affordable fusion power inspired by nature. We’re taking an approach based on established science and designing for scale from the beginning. We will be sharing more soon.

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
November 28, 2024

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