Process Systems Engineer

Pacific Fusion

Pacific Fusion

Software Engineering

San Leandro, CA, USA

Posted on Apr 15, 2026

About Pacific Fusion

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 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 Matters

Pacific Fusion is seeking an experienced & versatile Process Systems Engineer to join our dynamic team and create the path to commercial fusion energy.

You will lead the field engineering, procurement, contract management, installation and commissioning of process equipment and associated piping, valves and components for industrial scale Deionized water, Dielectric oil processing system and compressed super dry air system. This role requires a top-tier combination of engineering skills, technical expertise, fabrication and construction experience, problem-solving skills, and a proactive mindset to meet the exciting challenges in the field of fusion energy. As a senior engineer, you will be responsible for turnkey delivery of process systems critical in enabling our fusion technology.

What You'll Do

  • Own the procurement, fabrication, construction and commissioning of an industrial scale DI water system, Dielectric oil system and Compressed super dry air system for build center and gain center facilities
  • Contract/Purchase Order management, budgeting, supplier management (engineering, quality, schedule and delivery) through detailed engineering, fabrication, installation and commissioning
  • Field engineering - manage field engineering for all three systems including development of installation and commissioning schedule, detailed AFC engineering packages, site supervision, schedule management, construction Red-lines, as-built packages, commission and hand over piping & equipment to operations
  • Construction & Advanced Engineering - Plan and Organize engineering deliverables and information into execution ready packages such as Bill of Materials, Construction Work packs, Work instructions, Contractor scheduling, communication and coordination. Advanced process and computational engineering to study transient fluid dynamic effects, tank filling & mixing dynamics and compressed gas dynamics
  • Lead and participate in HAZOP, FMEA and risk analysis to identify necessary reliefs, pressure safety devices and drain points
  • Supplier & Construction site supervision- visit supplier sites during FAT, prototype testing, fabrication and manage NCRs, change orders and schedule. Active onsite management of installation and commissioning operations at construction sites

What You Bring

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering is required. A Master’s Degree is a plus
  • 15+ years work experience with process equipment and process systems including compressed air, water or oil systems
  • Experience in fabrication, installation and commissioning of process equipment including pumps, valves, actuators and other skid mounted equipment
  • Experience developing construction work packages, scheduling of contractors, FAT testing, on-site contractor management, system integration of process equipment with electrical, instrumentation and controls
  • Experience with ASME BPE and Sanitary 3A standards, selection of components and piping design
  • Knowledge of CAD software tools - specifically Creo Parametric, ANSYS and other flow analysis software
  • Good understanding of knowledge of material properties and their impact on high purity water and compressed air equipment
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects at the same time
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, with a strong attention to detail
  • Resonates with Pacific Fusion company values - Respect each other, Pursue the truth, Encourage creative approaches and Commit to impact

Pay Range:
$200,000$250,000 USD

Total Compensation & Benefits for Eligible Employees

  • Industry-competitive salary

  • Equity plan

  • 6% employer 401k matching

  • Generous paid time off (including sick leave, vacation, 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, 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.