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Fuse is building fusion energy technology and seeks a Robotics Engineer to design, build, program, and deploy robotic manufacturing systems from the ground up. This is a hands-on, high-responsibility role where you will own the full lifecycle of robotic automation for pulsed-power hardware fabrication and assembly.
You will design and deploy robotic capabilities to fabricate and assemble Fuse's core pulsed-power components, including field-distortion gas switches (FDGS), capacitor and switch assemblies ("bricks"), stages, complete Impedance-Matched Marx Generator (IMG) modules, and transmission lines. You'll build automated assembly, fastening, bonding, alignment, and handling processes for high-voltage, high-energy parts, including heavy and delicate components.
Key responsibilities include developing robotic workflows for inspection, test, and preventive maintenance of fielded hardware to reduce manual intervention in high-voltage environments; designing and fabricating custom end-effectors, grippers, tooling, and fixtures tailored to Fuse's components; integrating machine vision, force/torque sensing, and metrology for precise alignment and quality control; and programming industrial and collaborative robots (arms, gantries, mobile platforms) with PLCs, motion controllers, and factory software.
You will define cell-level architecture including safety systems, interlocks, material flow, and throughput, contributing to the build-out from concept to fully functioning production line. You'll partner with design engineers on Design for Automated Assembly, feeding manufacturability requirements back into component design, and establish maintenance, calibration, spares, and documentation practices. As the robotics team grows, you'll help onboard new team members.
The role is fully onsite in San Leandro, CA. You'll work hands-on in lab and production environments around high-voltage and high-energy equipment, following strict safety procedures. Occasional travel to other Fuse locations is expected. You must be comfortable lifting and maneuvering equipment and tooling during cell build-out and maintenance.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum:
- Degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Controls, or equivalent hands-on experience
- Hands-on experience deploying robotic automation in manufacturing or assembly environments
- Strong skills in robot programming and integration (FANUC, KUKA, ABB, Universal Robots, or similar) and industrial controls (PLCs, motion control, I/O, safety systems)
- Experience designing end-effectors, fixtures, and tooling in CAD and seeing them through fabrication
- Working knowledge of machine vision and sensor integration for guidance and inspection
- Software ability (Python, C++, and/or ROS) for control, vision, and system integration
- Solid grasp of automation safety standards and safe design practice
- Builder's mindset: comfortable with ambiguity, iterating fast, and owning a system end to end in a startup
Preferred:
- Experience automating assembly of high-voltage, high-energy, or hazardous hardware and familiarity with associated safety requirements
- Background in pulsed power, Marx generators, capacitors, high-voltage systems, or fusion/plasma hardware
- Experience with heavy-payload handling, precision alignment/metrology, or automated electrical/hi-pot testing
- Experience with mobile robots or automated maintenance/inspection in field environments
- Experience standing up a new automation function or production line
ITAR Requirement: Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
