Fuse

Pulsed-Power Engineer at Fuse (San Leandro, CA)

Fuse· San Leandro, CA· $110k–$165k·

Role details

Salary
$110k–$165k
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full-Time
Equity
Yes

Job description

ABOUT FUSE

We are building one of the most potentially consequential companies of the century. Our mission is to accelerate the world's transition to fusion energy while safeguarding humankind. This is not a normal company. This is not a normal job. We are committed for the long term to win.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Fuse is the first private company building a fusion facility based on Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF), an approach proven through a decade of simulation and experiments at Sandia National Laboratories. Our next milestone is Z-Star, a 15 TW Next Generation Pulsed Power (NGPP) facility built on TITAN, our in-house Impedance Matched Marx Generator (IMG) and the highest-power IMG in the world. Z-Star will be the first large-scale demonstration of the IMG architecture and will support high-quality science relevant to DOE missions. As a Pulsed-Power Engineer, you will design, build and test the high-voltage pulsed power systems that drive our MagLIF experiments, working alongside engineers and scientists from concept through experiment.

WHAT WE VALUE

  • Obsess about the details — sloppy work costs us later, so do it right the first time.
  • Care — pick up the trash. Do things no one asks you to do. Go the extra mile because you care.
  • Act with urgency — every hour matters more than it feels like it does.
  • Be responsible for the outcome, not just the task; if it is not working, it remains your problem until it is fixed.
  • Assume good intent — disagree openly, then commit fully once a call is made.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design and develop pulsed power systems that deliver high-energy, high-power electrical pulses to the MagLIF target.
  • Analyze and model system performance to optimize efficiency, reliability and safety.
  • Work with engineers and scientists to design and build the MagLIF experimental setup, including the target chamber, diagnostics and control systems.
  • Run experiments to test the pulsed power systems and the MagLIF target.
  • Analyze experimental data to validate system and target performance.
  • Troubleshoot and repair the pulsed power systems and the experimental setup.
  • Document design, development and testing through technical reports and conference presentations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics or a related field, with a focus on pulsed power.
  • Hands-on experience designing, building and testing pulsed power systems.
  • Experience with pulsed power technologies such as Marx generators, pulse-forming networks and switches.
  • Experience with high-voltage, high-current electrical systems.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with circuit and pulsed power modeling codes such as PSpice, LTspice, SCREAMER, CHICAGO or similar.
  • Experience with IMGs, LTDs, Z-pinch or MagLIF experiments.
  • Background at a national lab or large pulsed power facility.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • This is not a remote position and will require relocation if not already local to Fuse's San Leandro, CA facility.
  • Comfortable working hands-on in a lab around high-voltage and high-energy equipment, following strict safety procedures.
  • Occasional travel to other Fuse locations and partner facilities.

BENEFITS

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Relocation assistance for roles that require it.
  • Flexible time off. Take what you need, no accrual tracking.
  • 2 weeks of paid time off built into the end of each year (subject to team and business needs).
  • Supportive leave of absence policies.
  • Paid leave for new parents.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

To conform to U.S. Government technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Fuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Fuse is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, ancestry, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

Why work at Fuse

  • Culture: Described as "misfits, tinkerers, skeptics, doers" — drawn to impossible problems. Values include frugality, speed, hands-on experimentation, and deep technical conviction. "Fuse is not a comfortable environment" — no bean bag chairs; many live, eat, and work at the facility.
  • Work environment: "Fuseville" — a shipping-container communal living facility adjacent to the lab. Bed-to-reactor commute under 60 seconds. Sleep pods available. You'll likely build your own desk. "We really skimp on furniture."
  • Compensation: Low salaries — "you should be willing to work for free. While you will receive a minimum base so that you can survive, money and lifestyle is not the motivator." Significant stock option upside if fusion succeeds. "Fair wages. Long hours. High voltage. Success far from guaranteed."
  • Benefits: Competitive healthcare plan. High-end computer setup and cloud computing resources. "Everyone on the team has skin in the game."
  • Who should apply: Self-motivated, deeply internally driven, humble yet brilliant, fusion geeks who built Polywells in high school, boundary-pushers who "get shit done." Must be comfortable with deferred gratification and high risk.
  • Remote/hybrid policy: Not explicitly stated, but the "Fuseville" on-site living model suggests heavy in-person presence is expected. "Commuting makes your blood boil" is a stated value.
  • Notable perks: Working on one of humanity’s hardest problems alongside top 1% talent; national security impact; potential enormous financial reward via stock options; "glory in case of ignition."

Application questions