Senior Pulsed Power Engineer​/Scientist

Company Overview

Pacific Fusion was founded in 2023 with the mission to power the world with abundant, affordable, clean energy. We are rapidly designing and building a pulsed magnetic 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 ambitious plans are supported by over $900M in funding, and we bring together top scientists, engineers, and operators from the fusion community, hard tech industry, and other sectors to meet growing global energy demand and manage climate change.

We are seeking a senior Pulsed Power Engineer / Scientist to design, build, operate, and advance our pulsed power systems – the core of our experimental fusion platform. This hands‑on, multidisciplinary role requires expertise across high‑voltage systems, controls, diagnostics, and data analysis, and the ability to lead R&D, collaborate across disciplines, and own system performance.

• Design, build, and operate pulsed power systems, high‑voltage and high‑current architectures.
• Design, build, and operate control systems for pulsed power operation, safety, and automation.
• Operate pulsed power systems during testing and data acquisition campaigns, including occasional work outside regular business hours.
• Ensure safe, reliable operation of high‑energy systems in accordance with company safety protocols.
• Acquire, process, and analyze data from pulsed power experiments to evaluate system performance and stability.
• Develop tools and workflows for data collection, visualization, and interpretation.
• Translate experimental results into actionable insights for next‑generation pulser design.
• Take ownership of pulsed power subsystem advancement and roadmap execution.
• Lead design reviews, experimental planning, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and plasma physics teams to iterate and improve designs.
• Drive continuous improvement in reliability, efficiency, and diagnostic capability.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience designing and operating pulsed power systems and related experiments.
• Proven ability to deliver complex R&D projects on schedule, from concept to prototype to validation.
• Experience building and managing multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists.
• Expertise in pulse power and plasma diagnostics, including voltage, current, and optical instrumentation.
• Strong background in electronic design, control systems, and PLC software development.
• Experience with vacuum systems design, operation, and diagnostics.
• Proficiency in circuit simulations (e.g., SPICE, PSCAD, COMSOL, or similar) and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools.
• Familiarity with engineering modeling and CAD software (e.g., Solid Works, ANSYS, or COMSOL Multiphysics).

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• Prior experience with high‑voltage pulsed systems for fusion, plasma research, or accelerator applications.
• Hands‑on experience integrating diagnostics and controls for high‑energy experiments.
• Knowledge of safety standards and best practices in high‑voltage or high‑energy environments.

$170,000 – $200,000 USD

• Equity plan
• 6% employer 401k matching
• Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, paid family leave)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Actual base salary offered will be determined by experience, skills, and work location. This range is for base salary; 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 throughout our job application procedures and 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.