GRANTS, N.M. — May 1, 2026 — Pacific Fusion, a commercial fusion energy company, will host a recruiting and information session on fusion careers at New Mexico State University Grants Campus on May 6 at 3:00 p.m. The event will connect local residents and students with career opportunities to support the company’s mission to commercialize fusion power.
The session reflects Pacific Fusion’s growing presence in New Mexico, including operations in Los Lunas and planned development in Albuquerque, and its commitment to building a workforce drawn from communities across the region.
“Grants and surrounding communities have access to two of New Mexico’s major innovation hubs — Albuquerque and Los Lunas — and it’s important that communities like this are part of the state’s advanced energy future,” said Matt Pahl, New Mexico’s External Affairs Lead at Pacific Fusion. “This event is about opening doors — connecting students and community members to the emerging fusion industry, sharing what we’re building, and making sure people can see themselves in the opportunities being created right here in New Mexico.”
Pacific Fusion is developing a first-of-its-kind fusion research system designed to demonstrate net facility gain — producing more energy than it consumes — by 2030, a key step toward commercial fusion power.
Building a Workforce for a New Industry
The company expects to hire dozens of technicians in the coming months, with additional hiring ramping up through the summer. Roles will involve highly repeatable, precision-driven processes such as assembling the components that will ultimately power the company’s first fusion system. It is an emerging industry, with long-term career opportunities.
“This is hands-on work,” said Sierra Kocherhans, Talent Acquisition Lead at Pacific Fusion. “We’re looking for people who are mechanically or electrically inclined, who have strong attention to detail, a safety mindset, and a willingness to learn. You don’t need a traditional background in fusion — experience in construction, automotive, aerospace, or the labs can all translate to a future with Pacific Fusion.”
Pacific Fusion emphasized that opportunities in the future will span different levels and functions and encouraged interested candidates to join its talent network even if they are early in their careers.
“This partnership ensures our students and community members have a direct pathway into one of the most important emerging industries in the country,” said Marlene Chavez-Toivanen, NMSU-Grants Chief Executive and Academic Officer. “Our students are well-suited for these opportunities, and events like this create a bridge between education and real careers.”
State leaders also highlighted the broader significance for New Mexico.
“With Pacific Fusion establishing a presence in Los Lunas, it is important that we include communities like Grants and our surrounding pueblos,” said New Mexico Senator Angel Charley. “We’re centrally located — just an hour from Albuquerque and Los Lunas — and I’ve been focused on making sure our community has a seat at the table. Pacific Fusion has stepped up as a strong partner.”
Fusion energy is increasingly seen as a cornerstone of future energy systems — offering clean, firm, and abundant power. New Mexico’s combination of scientific expertise, workforce, and policy support positions it to play a central role in that future.
Pacific Fusion’s outreach in Grants is part of a broader effort to ensure that growth in the sector translates into local jobs, training pathways, and long-term economic opportunity across the state.