OBA Research Scientist/Engineer – Fusion Energy Systems

About the role

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 seeks accomplished scientists and engineers with expertise across the spectrum of fusion energy disciplines. This role is for professionals from U.S. national laboratories interested in pursuing an Outside Business Activity (OBA) in fusion energy under the expanded opportunities provided by Section 10720 of the CHIPS and Science Act . Under the new CHIPS Act framework, national laboratory staff can directly participate in advancing fusion energy science and technology as a Pacific Fusion employee outside of their day job at the lab.

Key Technical Domains

We welcome applicants with expertise in any of the following fusion energy fields:

Fusion Energy Science and Technology including plasma physics, fusion science, advanced materials, and all related fields

Fusion Energy Target Design

Fusion Energy Code Development

Fusion Energy Diagnostics

Fusion Energy Target Fabrication and Precision Manufacturing

Fusion Energy Modeling and Simulation

AI/ML for Fusion Energy Applications

Fusion Energy Systems Engineering

Fusion Energy Data Analysis

Fusion Energy Experiments (using existing public-sector experimental capabilities)

Fusion Energy Experimental Operations (including radiation and industrial safety)

Control Systems (human safety, machine control and safety, data collection integrity)

Power Plant Secondary Systems

Fusion Energy Technologies, including pulsed power systems, lasers, materials, optics, target injection and tracking, radiation chamber dynamics, fuel cycle, facility operations, cryogenics, vacuum technology, precision machining, and all other associated fields

Fusion Energy Technology Peer Review

Fusion Energy Technology Concept Ideation

What You'll Do

Lead and contribute to fusion energy R&D projects from concept through prototype.

Collaborate across disciplines to integrate fusion energy target design, fabrication, diagnostics, and supporting technologies into deployable systems.

Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international fusion energy conferences.

Work hard, have fun, feel rewarded, and make a difference!

What You Bring

A top 1% performer who gives 1000% and has a deep desire to win.

A current national laboratory employee interested in joining PF through OBA.

Advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S. with significant experience) in physics, engineering, or related discipline.

Strong computational, experimental, or engineering skills relevant to fusion energy research.

Why Join Us

Contribute directly to the development of commercially deployable fusion energy systems.

Collaborate with a world-class team bridging public–private innovation in fusion energy.

Flexible work options: positions are available from 5 to 40 hours per week with competitive salary, equity, and benefits.

Compensation

Compensation is negotiable and ranges from a full-time equivalent salary of $200,000 to $350,000 per year plus company equity, depending on experience and qualifications. Pay will be prorated based on the agreed weekly hours. Lunch will be provided when working at a Pacific Fusion facility.

Support for Navigating OBA Pacific Fusion will provide resources to help you understand and navigate your laboratory’s OBA processes, ensuring compliance while enabling your participation in advancing fusion energy research with us.

Alternatives to OBA If this OBA process turns out not to be right for your needs, we have many career openings at PF!

How to Apply Send an email to oba@pacificfusion.com expressing your interest in working with PF through OBA. No commitment is implied by this email.
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.