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Salary: USD 175,900 - 219,900 / annual
Pacific Fusion, founded in 2023 and backed by over $900M in funding, is developing pulser-driven inertial fusion systems to achieve net facility gain and deliver abundant, affordable clean energy. The company is seeking a Fabrication Lead for Vacuum Systems to oversee end-to-end delivery of vacuum chamber vessels and large complex steel assemblies critical to fusion technology.
In this role, you will own the complete execution lifecycle of vacuum vessel and component fabrication, from design-for-manufacturability through final site installation. Key responsibilities include driving requests for quotation and technical bid reviews for complex vacuum components with tight tolerance and cleanliness standards; managing fabrication of mission-critical vacuum components and power flow components; building detailed execution plans including vacuum leak testing, qualification, and turnover documentation; coordinating with vacuum physicists and design engineers to optimize system performance and reliability; and managing suppliers of specialized vacuum hardware while ensuring schedule compliance and quality control. Travel to supplier sites is expected.
You bring a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, physics, or related technical field, plus 8+ years of experience in high or ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems including design, fabrication, and installation. Deep expertise in vacuum fabrication (welding, surface finish, sealing, cleanliness) and leak detection techniques (helium leak testing) is essential. You have hands-on experience with stainless steel fabrication processes and cleanliness standards for vacuum service, vacuum system assembly, testing and troubleshooting, and aerospace-grade fabrication of large complex stainless steel assemblies with intricate machined features, tight tolerances, and smooth surface finish.
Bonus qualifications include experience with large-scale UHV systems for fusion, aerospace, or accelerator physics; machining of aerospace-grade complex and large assemblies; hands-on cleanroom practices and assembly; and familiarity with nonconformance resolution in vacuum hardware.
