Summer 2026 Internship - Mechanical Engineering, Pulser

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 is seeking an exceptional Mechanical Engineering Intern - Pulser Engineering to join our dynamic team and create the path to commercial fusion energy. In your role as a mechanical engineering intern, you will get to own a project through the planning, design, assembly, and testing phases of development. Our intention is for our interns to get experience in cradle to grave design as well as hands-on experience building and testing these systems. All of our intern projects are high priority and value-added efforts that directly contribute to the successful development of our fusion system.

What You Bring

• Junior or Senior standing in 4-year college degree program in mechanical engineering 
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering first principles
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Basic knowledge of stress analysis hand calculations, finite element analysis, 2D drawings, design for assembly, and design for manufacturing
• Exposure to 2D and 3D CAD software tools such as Creo or Solidworks

Additional Requirements:

• Able to work full time, onsite for a minimum of 10 consecutive weeks beginning in June 2026

Bonus Points For

• Hands on mechanical design experience through classes, clubs, or hobbies
• Experience with conventional machining and rapid prototyping technologies
• Experience designing a system architecture and weighing design options to accomplish specific system requirements
• Experience writing build instructions or test plans
• Excellent measurement, technical writing, and data analysis skills
• Eagerness to both teach and learn
• Ability to design, build, and operate test stands and equipment
• 6 months of a previous internship, co-op, or academic project experience outside of normal classes
• GPA of 3.5 or above 
• Basic experience with CAD Software, MATLAB, Python, or Excel

What We Offer

• Real resume building engineering experience
• Mentorship from experienced engineering professionals
• Exposure to the full product development lifecycle
• A collaborative and learning-focused work environment
• An unforgettable summer!

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.