Project Engineer

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 pulsed magnetic 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 (PF) is seeking a Project Engineer to support a large, complex, first-of-a-kind R&D and light industrial facility.

The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the project team in executing the construction execution plan—including maintaining a strong on-site presence, managing RFIs and submittals, reviewing and approving change orders, tracking project risks, and validating contractor forecasts and progress—while facilitating key design, construction, commissioning, and turnover milestones.

The role is embedded on site and works day-to-day with the Construction Manager and General Contractor (GC). The Project Engineer serves as a critical owner-side execution and commercial control resource for preconstruction and construction activities, supporting field coordination, risk and contingency management, scope control, quality closeout, and disciplined cost and schedule performance.

What You'll Do

• Maintain daily on-site presence supporting construction activities.  Monitor progress, identify issues early, and escalate proactively. Coordinate between PF, GC, designers, and subcontractors. Participate in safety walks, inspections, and coordination meetings.  Support punch list, quality closeout, and turnover readiness. 
• Manage RFI workflows and drive timely resolution. Lead owner-side review and approval of change orders, validating entitlement, scope, cost, and schedule impacts.
• Maintain the project risk register and partner with the PF Cost Engineer to manage contingency usage and forecasting. Review contractor cost reports and update the owner’s Estimate at Completion (EAC), proactively identifying emerging risks.
• Support schedule execution, progress verification, commissioning coordination, and turnover readiness, while providing general project management support and acting as a delegate to the Construction Manager as needed.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field (or equivalent hands-on construction experience in lieu of a degree)
• 3–7+ years of experience in project engineering, field engineering, or construction management on commercial, industrial, or large capital projects
• Direct experience managing RFIs, submittals, and construction documentation
• Experience reviewing and validating change orders, including scope, cost, and entitlement considerations
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, startup or low-process environment
• Comfortable working full-time on active construction sites

Bonus Points For

• General Contractor or subcontractor background with hands-on field experience
• Exposure to risk tracking, contingency management, or cost forecasting
• Experience on complex, industrial, high-tech, or first-of-a-kind facilities
• Startup or scale-up company experience
• OSHA 30 certification
• Proficiency with common construction project management platforms such as Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), BIM 360, Primavera P6, MS Project or similar tools

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.