Optical Diagnostics Engineering Lead

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 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 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.

Job OverviewPacific Fusion is seeking an exceptional Optical Engineering Diagnostics Lead to spearhead the design, development, and implementation of advanced optical diagnostic systems. In this role, you will lead a specialized team in creating cutting-edge solutions to measure and analyze the dynamic processes within fusion systems. Your contributions will directly support achieving net facility gain and advancing the development of a next-generation fusion system complete with its own infrastructure and facilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of engineers focused on developing advanced optical diagnostic systems for fusion applications.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, physicists, and researchers to define system requirements and ensure successful integration of optical diagnostics.
• Design and implement optical systems for laser-based diagnostics, interferometry, and high-speed imaging.
• Oversee the development and calibration of optical diagnostics to measure temperature, density, and plasma behavior under extreme fusion conditions.
• Manage the selection, design, and testing of optical components, including lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, and fiber optics.
• Ensure optical systems are resilient to the harsh environment of fusion chambers, including high radiation and thermal stress.
• Conduct simulations and analyses to optimize optical system performance, leveraging tools such as Zemax or COMSOL.
• Support the integration of optical diagnostic tools with data acquisition and processing systems.
• Develop and maintain detailed documentation, including specifications, test reports, and calibration procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field; advanced degrees preferred.
• Proven experience in the design, development, and deployment of optical diagnostics systems, especially in high-energy physics or fusion research applications.
• Strong background in optical system design, including expertise with lasers, interferometers, and high-speed imaging technologies.
• Hands-on experience with optical alignment, calibration, and testing techniques.
• Familiarity with optical simulation software such as Zemax, Code V, or similar tools.
• Demonstrated expertise in the integration of optical diagnostics into complex, multidisciplinary systems.
• Knowledge of radiation-hardening techniques and optical materials for extreme environments.
• Proficiency in CAD software, such as Creo or NX CAD, for optical component design and integration.
• Excellent leadership skills, with a proven ability to manage technical teams and drive projects to successful completion.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a focus on iterative design and rapid prototyping.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Benefits:

• 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.