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Pacific Fusion, founded in 2023, is developing pulser-driven inertial fusion systems to achieve net facility gain and deliver abundant, affordable, clean energy. The company has raised over $900M and is assembling world-class scientists, engineers, and operators from the fusion and hard tech sectors.
As a Controls Hardware Engineer, you will be instrumental in designing and implementing the main control system for fusion facilities. You'll work at the intersection of requirements engineering and hardware design, translating complex functional and safety requirements into robust control architectures.
Key responsibilities include:
**Requirements & System Definition**: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, document, and validate control system requirements. Translate functional and safety requirements into detailed control logic, hardware specifications, and test criteria. Participate in design and hazard reviews to ensure alignment with performance, safety, and reliability goals.
**Control System Design & Implementation**: Develop control architectures for safety-critical and utility systems. Design electrical schematics, control panels, and wiring diagrams for 24VDC control and 480VAC drive power systems. Specify and integrate PLC, HMI, and communication hardware. Configure and commission VFDs, servo drives, and motion control systems. Implement and verify safety interlock and process control logic per SIS and NFPA standards.
**Software Development & Integration**: Develop and test PLC programs using structured, modular practices. Conduct system-level integration testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning support. Work with instrumentation and field devices to ensure proper control and feedback integration.
**Compliance & Documentation**: Ensure designs comply with NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, and SIS/IEC 61511 standards. Develop technical documentation including I/O lists, control narratives, functional requirements, and validation test procedures. Support safety validation and functional testing throughout the system lifecycle.
**Collaboration & Technical Leadership**: Serve as technical point of contact for controls aspects of multidisciplinary projects. Work closely with fabrication, installation, and operations teams. Contribute to continuous improvement of design methods and controls best practices.
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field. 5+ years of experience in industrial automation or control system design. Proficiency with PLC-based systems, VFDs, servo drives, and motion control systems. Familiarity with 24VDC and 480VAC systems. Strong understanding of NFPA and IEC 61511 standards. Proven ability to develop system requirements and detailed design documentation. Industrial panel/cabinet design experience.
Bonus: Safety PLC and interlock logic design experience, background in large scientific facilities or high-reliability environments, CAD/EPLAN experience.
