Senior Mechanical Engineer - Diagnostics
$138,100–$263,800 year
On-siteSan Leandro, California, United States
Job Summary
Own assigned mechanical scope end-to-end, translating system requirements into robust designs for advanced diagnostic instrumentation. Provide subject matter expertise in mechanical design and analysis, developing precision motion and thermal management solutions compatible with high-vacuum and radiation environments. Create 3D CAD models and 2D fabrication drawings, perform FEA to validate designs against shock, vibration, and thermal loads, and drive hardware from prototype through delivery and commissioning. Maintain rigorous revision control in PDM/PLM systems and mentor early-career engineers. This role sits at the intersection of precision engineering and first-of-kind technology at Pacific Fusion, where you will help create the path to commercial fusion energy.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field
- 5+ years' experience in mechanical design for vacuum-compatible instrumentation
- Expert proficiency in a professional 3D CAD platform (Creo, NX, or SolidWorks), GD&T, and producing detailed manufacturing drawings
- Significant experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, COMSOL) for structural and thermal analysis
- Demonstrated ability to navigate competing design constraints simultaneously: vacuum compatibility, radiation tolerance, thermal management, and tight geometric envelopes internally and between neighboring subsystems
- Proven ability to operate as an effective individual contributor: self-directed and accountable for assigned deliverables end-to-end
- Comfortable driving cross-functional stakeholders — vendors, technicians, and peer engineers — to keep mechanical deliverables on schedule
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for technical documentation and cross-functional collaboration
- Able to work closely with team members and project manager in fast-paced environment with ambitious deadlines
Desired Qualifications
- Advanced degree
- Experience in fusion, plasma physics, accelerator physics, defense, or other high-consequence technical environments
- Familiarity with vacuum systems, cryogenics, high-voltage hardware, or pulsed power components
- Exposure to large-scale structural systems, pressure vessels, or custom capital equipment
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