Fuse

Tech Team Alpha Technician at Fuse (San Leandro, CA)

Fuse· San Leandro, CA· $70k–$125k·

Role details

Salary
$70k–$125k
Employment
Full-Time

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

As a member of Tech Team Alpha, you'll bring hands-on mechanical expertise and a "never fail" mindset to assembling Fuse's pulsed-power machines — TITAN, Magical Unicorn, and FAETON I — to Engineering's exacting specifications. You'll work across common hand tools and precision industrial equipment, and become proficient in the safe handling, storage, and transport of radiological materials. Many of our best technicians come from military backgrounds where extreme attention to detail and strict safety discipline were non-negotiable — if that's you, you'll fit right in.

Core Responsibilities

  • Design and fabricate specialized parts to precise specifications.
  • Assemble complex machines under expert engineering guidance.
  • Inspect equipment and systems to identify and troubleshoot issues.
  • Repair faulty and damaged equipment.
  • Conduct routine maintenance procedures.
  • Grab jump balls — do whatever needs to get done.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Curious and hungry to learn.
  • No ego.
  • Experience assembling machines of some kind.
  • Fluent spoken English.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience as an electrical contractor.
  • Welding experience.
  • Ability to drive a forklift and/or scissor lift.
  • Familiarity with software design tools.
  • Experience working in a machine shop.

What We Value

  • Give a shit. Build things you're proud of.
  • Take responsibility. If something is broken and you can fix it, fix it. See things through.
  • Move fast. Make decisions, learn quickly, and keep moving forward.
  • Think bigger. Simplify relentlessly. Don't default to the safe answer.
  • Disagree and commit. The best idea wins. Once a decision is made, we move.
  • Desire to win. This is hard. Expect intensity. We are here to win.
  • Plan B is to make Plan A work.

Additional Requirements

  • Must be able to travel and work extended hours/weekends as needed.

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