Bachelor's degree in mechanical, civil, or construction engineering, or related technical field
5+ years of project engineering or related technical experience
Experience managing vendor scopes related to welded assemblies and structural systems
Knowledge of welding, fabrication, inspection, and documentation standards
Familiarity with AWS and ASME industry standards
Ability to understand engineering drawings and specifications
Strong coordination and communication skills, both written and verbal
Willingness to travel up to 50% between various sites
Responsibilities
Lead execution of heavy fabrication and steel structures projects
Translate design intent into actionable execution plans
Develop detailed plans covering all project execution phases
Coordinate with various teams to ensure project continuity
Engage with vendors from pre-award to delivery stages
Create and manage comprehensive fabrication and inspection documentation
Support planning efforts across multiple geographic locations
Drive proactive solutions to maintain program momentum
Benefits
Industry-competitive salary
Equity plan participation
6% employer 401k matching
Generous paid time off including sick leave and vacation
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
Full Job Description
Why This Role Matters
Pacific Fusion is seeking an experienced & versatile Senior Project Engineer - Steel Structures to join our dynamic team and create the path to commercial fusion energy. You will lead the procurement, contract management, installation and commissioning of structural steel systems such as tanks, equipment platforms, and structural steel components for holding, lifting, moving and positioning critical equipment. 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 and installation in enabling our fusion technology. What You'll Do
Own execution of heavy fabrication and steel structures scopes across suppliers, internal stakeholders, and build sites
Convert design intent into executable work by driving requests for quotation, scope alignment, technical bid review, purchase order readiness, and fabrication kickoff
Build and maintain detailed execution plans covering engineering deliverables, procurement, fabrication, inspection, shipment, site readiness, installation, and closeout
Coordinate closely with design, supply chain, quality, construction, finance, and leadership to keep critical path scopes moving
Drive vendor engagement from pre-award through delivery, including schedule tracking, technical clarification, progress reviews, risk identification, and recovery planning
Develop and manage fabrication work packages, inspection documentation, nonconformance tracking, and turnover packages
Support fabrication and installation planning across San Leandro, CA, Albuquerque, NM, and supplier locations, with travel up to 50 percent as needed
Ensure work is executed to the required standards for safety, quality, cost, and schedule
Identify blockers early, escalate clearly, and drive practical solutions to maintain program momentum
What You Bring
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, construction engineering, or a related technical field
5+ years of experience in project engineering, fabrication, manufacturing, industrial construction, or related technical execution roles
Experience managing complex vendor-built scopes involving welded assemblies, structural steel, machined components, or industrial systems
Working knowledge of welding, fabrication, inspection, and manufacturing documentation
Familiarity with AWS D1.1, AWS D1.6 or ASME B31.3, and associated industry standards and practices
Ability to read engineering drawings, specifications, requests for quotation, inspection plans, and construction or fabrication scopes
Strong schedule management and cross-functional coordination skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to drive clarity across technical and non-technical teams
Willingness to travel up to 50 percent between San Leandro, vendors, and Albuquerque build sites
Bonus Points For
Experience in fusion, aerospace, energy, shipbuilding, heavy industrial, or other first-of-a-kind hardware environments
Experience owning supplier scopes from request for quotation through fabrication, delivery, and field installation
Familiarity with field fit-up, weld inspection, nonconformance resolution, and installation sequencing
Hands-on familiarity with welding, fabrication, and construction means and methods
Experience with large stainless steel structures, vacuum hardware, pressure systems, or custom tooling
Experience working in fast-paced environments with evolving designs and aggressive schedules
Pay Range:
$160,000-$220,000 USD
TOTAL COMPENSATION AND 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.
