Controls Hardware Engineer

pacificfusion· Fusion Systems
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📍 San Leandro, CA💰 USD 138K–207K

About this 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

As a Controls Hardware Engineer, you will be an instrumental part of interfacing between project teams and gathering controls oriented requirements. Primarily you will take those requirements and design significant parts of our main control system. This role requires an individual who has a passion for controls engineering, and would like to grow in hardware design and implementation.

 

What You'll Do

  • Requirements & System Definition
    • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and system stakeholders to develop, document, and validate control system requirements
    • Translate functional and safety requirements into detailed control logic, hardware specifications, and test criteria
    • Participate in design and hazard reviews to ensure system requirements align with performance, safety, and reliability goals
  • Control System Design and Implementation
    • Develop control architectures for safety-critical and utility systems
    • Design electrical schematics, control panels, and wiring diagrams for 24VDC control and 480VAC drive power systems
    • Specify and integrate PLC, HMI, and communication hardware
    • Configure and commission VFDs, servo drives, and motion control systems
    • Implement and verify safety interlock and process control logic in accordance with SIS and NFPA standards
  • Software Development and Integration
    • Develop and test PLC programs using structured and modular programming practices
    • Conduct system-level integration testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning support
    • Work with instrumentation and field devices to ensure proper control and feedback integration
  • Compliance and Documentation
    • Ensure system designs comply with NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, and SIS/IEC 61511 standards
    • Develop technical documentation including I/O lists, control narratives, functional requirements, and validation test procedures
    • Support safety validation, risk assessments, and functional testing throughout the system lifecycle
  • Collaboration and Technical Leadership
    • Serve as a technical point of contact for controls-related
      aspects of multidisciplinary projects
    • Work closely with fabrication, installation, and operations teams
      to ensure design intent and performance goals are achieved
    • Contribute to continuous improvement of design methods,
      documentation standards, and controls best practices

 

What You Bring

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or
    related field
  • 5+ years of experience in industrial automation or control system
    design
  • Proficiency with PLC-based systems
  • Experience with VFDs, servo drives, and motion control systems
  • Familiarity with systems operating at 24VDC and 480VAC
  • Strong understanding of NFPA 70/70E/79 and functional safety (IEC
    61511) standards
  • Proven ability to develop system requirements and translate them into
    detailed design documentation
  • Industrial Panel/Cabinet design experience

 

Bonus Points For

  • Experience with safety PLCs and interlock logic design
  • Background in large scientific facilities, or other high-reliability
    environments
  • CAD experience, EPLAN experience is a significant plus!

 

Pay Range:
$138,100—$207,100 USD

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Controls Hardware Engineer role at pacificfusion?
The listed salary for this Controls Hardware Engineer position at pacificfusion is USD 138K–207K. This is an full-time role.
Where is the Controls Hardware Engineer position at pacificfusion located?
This Controls Hardware Engineer role at pacificfusion is based in San Leandro, CA. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Which team or department does the Controls Hardware Engineer at pacificfusion belong to?
This Controls Hardware Engineer position is part of the Fusion Systems department at pacificfusion. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Controls Hardware Engineer position at pacificfusion?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to pacificfusion's official application portal hosted on greenhouse where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Controls Hardware Engineer job at pacificfusion posted?
This Controls Hardware Engineer position at pacificfusion was posted on Aug 4, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Controls Hardware Engineer
pacificfusion · 💰 USD 138K–207K
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