Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Senior Manufacturing EngineerSan Leandro, CAAbout Pacific FusionPacific Fusion was founded in 2023 with the mission to power the world with abundant, affordable, clean energy.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.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.Why This Role MattersAs a Sr. Manufacturing Engineer on the Pulser Module Assembly team, you'll be on the shop floor every day — owning the processes, tooling, and workflows that bring our core fusion hardware to life. You'll work alongside a small team of technicians, drive continuous improvement across the build line, and work closely with design engineering to make sure our pulser modules are built right, every time.This is a hands-on, high-ownership role at the center of Pacific Fusion's production operations. If you thrive in a fast-moving environment where the hardware is unlike anything built before, this is your seat.What You'll DoOwn end-to-end manufacturing processes for pulser module assembly, from work instruction development through build completion and acceptanceWork alongside the technicians to provide fast solutions that can be quickly executed to keep the build progressingSupport documentation handoff to the production team for the build processes as well as issues and their respective resolutionsManage build schedule using microsoft project to communicate within the companyPartner with design engineering to provide manufacturing feedback, drive DFM improvements, and support first article buildsIdentify and resolve production non-conformances, leading root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrenceDefine and develop tooling, fixturing, and equipment requirements to support safe, efficient, and repeatable assembly operationsTrack and report production metrics — cycle time, yield, first pass rate — and drive initiatives to hit and exceed targetsSupport the scale-up of assembly operations as Pacific Fusion transitions from low-rate initial production to higher volume outputSupport schedule management by clearly defining steps to completionWhat You Bring3–7 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience in a hands-on production environmentDemonstrated experience leading or mentoring technicians on a production floorStrong understanding of mechanical assembly processes, work instruction development, and production documentationHands-on experience with complex electromechanical assembly — high voltage, pulsed power, precision mechanical, or similarly demanding hardware preferredFamiliarity with quality management systems, non-conformance processes, and root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone)Ability to read, interpret, and create engineering drawings, schematics, and GD&TComfortable working in an early-stage, fast-moving environment where processes are still being definedHands on experience working at a startup building the prototype unitsFamiliarity with standard machining processes and capable of running equipmentBonus Points ForExperience in aerospace, defense, energy, or other high-complexity hardware industriesFamiliarity with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement frameworksExperience supporting first-of-kind or prototype-to-production transitionsExposure to high voltage or pulsed power systemsBS in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience)Pay Range:$138,100 - $207,100 USDTotal Compensation & Benefits for Eligible EmployeesIndustry-competitive salaryEquity plan6% employer 401k matchingGenerous paid time off (including sick leave, vacation, paid family leave)Medical, Dental, and Vision insuranceActual 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.