Associate Lab Technician

Acceleron Fusion, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & dental insurance

Retirement with company contribution

Stock options

Paid time off

11 company holidays

Job summary

Acceleron Fusion, a Cambridge, MA startup focused on muon-catalyzed fusion research, seeks a Junior/Associate Lab Technician to build and assemble parts for cutting-edge research equipment. You will work across mechanical, electrical, chemical, and vacuum systems in a dynamic, startup environment.

The role offers hands-on fabrication, machining, and validation work, with opportunities to travel internationally for collaboration at partner labs.

Qualifications

• Recent graduate with a degree in Physics, Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering or comparable work experience in a technical lab or manufacturing environment.
• A maker history with a portfolio of projects you’ve built or worked on.
• Familiarity with CAD software; CNC machining or strong willingness to learn.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex systems in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for a small, close-knit team.
• Hands-on experience with low-voltage wiring and control circuits.

Responsibilities

• Experimental Assembly & Monitoring: Build and assemble precision components, leak-test vacuum hardware, and assist in monitoring experiments during active runs.
• Fabrication & Machining: Program and operate CNC mills, lathes, and 3D printers to create prototype parts. Training available for advanced CNC workflows.
• Shop Stewardship: Help in setup, organization, and safety of the Cambridge machine shop.
• Field Integration: Travel with the team for several weeks per year to install, align, and troubleshoot systems at partner labs.
• Design Support: Collaborate with scientists and engineers to improve designs for manufacturability.

Skills

Maker history

CAD software

Troubleshooting

Low-voltage wiring

Communication skills

Education

Physics/Mechanical/Electrical/Chemical Engineering degree or related experience

Tools

CAD software

CNC machining

Solidworks

Job description

About Acceleron Fusion

Acceleron Fusion is a venture-backed clean energy startup developing breakthrough fusion technology. Founded to commercialize Department of Energy-funded research, we completed our Series A funding round and are working with leading research institutions like the Paul Scherrer Institute and Oak Ridge National Laboratory at the forefront of fusion energy innovation. Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, we are a growing startup of about 20 employees. As a key member of our small and dynamic team, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our technology and shape the future of both our company and the field of fusion energy.

Acceleron Fusion is a venture-backed clean energy startup developing breakthrough fusion technology. Founded to commercialize Department of Energy-funded research, we completed our Series A funding round and are working with leading research institutions like the Paul Scherrer Institute and Oak Ridge National Laboratory at the forefront of fusion energy innovation. Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, we are a growing startup of about 20 employees. As a key member of our small and dynamic team, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our technology and shape the future of both our company and the field of fusion energy.

About This Role

We’re looking for a hands-on, scientifically-minded individual to join our team as a Junior/Associate Lab Technician. In this role, you will be instrumental in the fabrication of parts and assembly of components for our cutting-edge muon-catalyzed fusion research apparatus. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain experience across all aspects of our research, including mechanical, electrical, chemical, and vacuum systems. It is ideal for someone passionate about building and excited to contribute to ground-breaking fusion research.

What You’ll Do

• Experimental Assembly & Monitoring: Build and assemble precision components, leak-test vacuum hardware, and assist in monitoring experiments during active runs.
• Fabrication & Machining: Program and operate CNC mills, lathes, and 3D printers to create prototype parts. (We are happy to train the right candidate on advanced CNC workflows).
• Shop Stewardship: Assist in the setup, organization, and safety of our machine shop in Cambridge.
• Field Integration: Travel with the team for several weeks per year to help install, align, and troubleshoot mechanical systems at partner labs in Switzerland, Vancouver, and New York.
• Design Support: Collaborate with scientists and engineers to improve designs for manufacturability.

What We’re Looking For

• Recent graduate with a degree in Physics, Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering, or related technical field, or comparable work experience in a technical laboratory or manufacturing environment.
• A “maker” history with a strong portfolio of projects you’ve built or worked on.
• Familiarity with CAD software, and experience with CNC machining or a strong desire to learn.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex systems in a fast-paced, startup environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, able to work effectively within a small, tight-knit team.
• Hands-on experience with low-voltage wiring and control circuits.

Preferred Qualifications (not Required)

• Experience with Solidworks.
• Hands-on familiarity with vacuum, cryogenic, or pneumatic systems.
• Basic experience with welding (MIG/TIG/Laser).

Details & Logistics

• This is a full-time, onsite role working from our facility in Cambridge, MA. Preference will be given to candidates already in the Greater Boston area.
• Travel (including international) for several weeks per year is required.
• Our benefits package includes health & dental insurance, retirement savings with company contribution, stock options, paid time off, and 11 company holidays.
• The salary range for this role is $50K to $70K. This range represents the minimum and maximum base compensation Acceleron Fusion reasonably expects to pay for this position. The specific salary offered will be determined based on relevant factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation such as bonuses, equity, or other benefits.
• Successful applications will include pictures of parts you have made or machines/systems you have built.

Acceleron Fusion is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.