OBA Research Scientist​/Engineer – Fusion Energy Systems

OBA Research Scientist/Engineer – Fusion Energy Systems

Pacific Fusion is recruiting a Research Scientist/Engineer – Fusion Energy Systems
.

Pacific Fusion was founded in 2023 with a mission to power the world with abundant, affordable, and clean energy. We are designing and building a pulsed magnetic fusion system to achieve net facility gain, while developing key components required to build affordable fusion systems. With over $900 M raised from investors, we bring together scientists, engineers, operators, and technologists from the fusion community, hard‑tech industry, and other sectors to meet the urgency of climate change and global energy demand.

Pacific Fusion seeks accomplished scientists and engineers from U.S. national laboratories who are interested in pursuing an Outside Business Activity (OBA) in fusion energy under the expanded opportunities of Section 10720 of the CHIPS and Science Act. The role allows national laboratory staff to directly participate in advancing fusion energy science and technology as a Pacific Fusion employee outside their day job.

• Fusion Energy Science and Technology including plasma physics, fusion science, advanced materials, and related fields
• Fusion Energy Target Design
• Fusion Energy Code Development
• Fusion Energy Diagnostics
• Fusion Energy Target Fabrication and Precision Manufacturing
• Fusion Energy Modeling and Simulation
• AI/ML for Fusion Energy Applications
• Fusion Energy Systems Engineering
• Fusion Energy Data Analysis
• Fusion Energy Experiments (using existing public‑sector experimental capabilities)
• Fusion Energy Experimental Operations (including radiation and industrial safety)
• Control Systems (human safety, machine control and safety, data collection integrity)
• Power Plant Secondary Systems
• Fusion Energy Technologies: pulsed power systems, lasers, materials, optics, target injection and tracking, radiation chamber dynamics, fuel cycle, facility operations, cryogenics, vacuum technology, precision machining, and other associated fields
• Fusion Energy Technology Peer Review
• Fusion Energy Technology Concept Ideation

• Lead and contribute to fusion energy R&D projects from concept through prototype.
• Collaborate across disciplines to integrate fusion energy target design, fabrication, diagnostics, and supporting technologies into deployable systems.
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present at national and international fusion energy conferences.
• Work hard, have fun, feel rewarded, and make a difference!

• A top 1% performer who gives 1,000% and has a deep desire to win.
• A current national laboratory employee interested in joining PF through an OBA.
• An advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S. with significant experience) in physics, engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong computational, experimental, or engineering skills relevant to fusion energy research.

• Contribute directly to the development of commercially deployable fusion energy systems.
• Collaborate with a world‑class team bridging public‑private innovation in fusion energy.
• Flexible work options: positions are available from 5 to 40 hours per week with competitive salary, equity, and benefits.

Compensation is negotiable and ranges from a full‑time equivalent salary of $200,000 to $350,000 per year plus company equity, depending on experience and qualifications. Pay will be prorated based on the agreed weekly hours. Lunch will be provided when working at a Pacific Fusion facility.

Pacific Fusion will provide resources to help you understand and navigate your laboratory’s OBA processes, ensuring compliance while enabling your participation in advancing fusion energy research with us.

If this OBA process turns out not to be right for your needs, we have many career openings at PF!

Send an email to  expressing your interest in working with PF through an OBA. No commitment is implied by this email.

• Industry‑competitive salary
• Equity plan
• 6% employer 401(k) matching
• Generous paid time off (including sick leave, vacation, paid family leave)
• Medical, dental,…