Equipment Technician

Commonwealth Fusion Systems LLC; Milpitas (CA); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

13 Company-wide Holidays

Health insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is seeking an Equipment Technician to support the build, maintenance, and improvements of advanced semiconductor vacuum equipment, focusing on sputtering and evaporation tools in the HTS pilot line and lab.

You will work with complex vacuum systems, thermal processes, instrumentation, and large-scale assemblies in a fast-paced R&D environment, with shift options and a competitive hourly rate.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience with semiconductor, R&D, or manufacturing equipment.
• Strong vacuum systems background including chamber assembly and leak testing.
• Experience with thin-film deposition tools such as sputtering or evaporation.
• Knowledge of vacuum pump servicing and refurbishing.
• Understanding of high- and low-voltage electrical systems and wiring.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical/instrumentation systems with bench tools.
• Familiarity with safety protocols (OSHA, LOTO, PPE) in lab settings.
• Safety-focused mindset with attention to high-hazard environments.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, operate, and maintain custom equipment used in HTS and lab.
• Troubleshoot vacuum, thermal, and instrumentation systems.
• Support equipment integration, testing, and commissioning with engineers.
• Perform preventive maintenance on pumps and deposition chambers.
• Conduct leak detection and support system upgrades and installations.
• Fabricate and repair cable harnesses and fixtures.
• Use diagnostic tools to troubleshoot systems and collect data.
• Maintain lab infrastructure and ensure safety compliance.
• Contribute to lab organization and continuous process improvements.

Skills

Semiconductor equipment

Vacuum systems

Electrical troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Lab safety

Job description

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems:

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy.

Combining decades of research, top talent, and new technologies, we’re designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And we're working with policymakers, suppliers, and many others to build the energy industry of the future.

We're in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we’ve raised $4 billion of capital, making us the largest and leading fusion company in the world.

Now we’re looking for more thinkers, doers, builders, and makers to join us. People who’ll bring new perspectives, solve tough problems, and thrive as part of a team.

If that's you and this role fits, we want to hear from you.

Join the power movement as an Equipment Technician

We are seeking a skilled, hands-on Equipment Technician to support the build, maintenance, and continuous improvement of advanced semiconductor vacuum equipment. This role will focus on thin-film deposition systems—particularly sputtering and evaporation tools—as well as supporting related infrastructure in the HTS pilot line and characterization lab. You’ll work with complex vacuum systems, thermal processes, instrumentation, and large-scale assemblies in a fast-pace, R&D-driven environment.

Work: Sun, Mon, Tues + every other Wed or every other Wed + Thu, Fri, Sat

First shift hours - 6:30 am - 6:45 pm

Second shift hours - 6:30 pm - 6:45 am

Rate of pay: $35 - $65

Second Shift Differential - 15%

What you'll do

• Assemble, operate, and maintain custom equipment used in the HTS and characterization lab
• Perform mechanical and electrical troubleshooting across vacuum, thermal, and instrumentation systems
• Support equipment integration, testing, and commissioning efforts in collaboration with engineers and vendors
• Conduct preventive maintenance and servicing of roughing pumps, turbo pumps, cryopumps, and deposition chambers
• Perform helium leak detection and support vacuum system upgrades, chamber modifications, and process hardware installations
• Fabricate and repair cable harnesses, sensors, and custom fixturing
• Use diagnostic tools (multimeters, vacuum gauges, RGA) to troubleshoot systems and support data collection
• Maintain infrastructure, documentation, and compliance with safety protocols, SOPs, and industry standards (SEMI, OSHA)
• Contribute to lab cleanliness, organization, and continuous process improvements

What we’re looking for

• 5+ years of hands-on experience supporting semiconductor, R&D, or manufacturing equipment
• Strong background in vacuum systems (HV/UHV) including chamber assembly, component cleaning, and leak testing
• Experience operating or maintaining thin-film deposition tools such as sputtering or evaporation systems
• Skilled in servicing and refurbishing vacuum pumps (scroll, turbo, cryo)
• Working knowledge of low- and high-voltage electrical systems, cable harness fabrication, and system wiring
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical and instrumentation systems using bench tools and diagnostics equipment
• Understanding of safety protocols including OSHA, LOTO, and PPE use in lab environments
• Strong safety-first mindset and attention to detail in high-hazard environments

Bonus points for

• Experience in pilot-line or production environments with thin-film deposition equipment
• Knowledge of cryogenics, thermal control systems, and process gas delivery
• Familiarity with SEMI equipment standards and maintenance tracking tools (CMMS, lab management software).
• Basic CAD skills for reviewing and modifying mechanical and electrical designs

Must-have Requirements

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
• Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally

$35 - $63 an hour

Salary range for this full-time position + equity + benefits. The actual salary will depend on level, location, qualifications, and experience. The range displayed on each job posting reflects new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Benefits include:

• Competitive compensation with equity
• 13 Company-wide Holidays
• Flexible vacation days
• 10 sick days
• Generous parental leave policy
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Professional growth opportunities
• Team-building activities

#LI-Onsite

At CFS, we excel in fast-paced environments, driven by our values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique. As we grow, we’re eager to bring on mission-driven folks who offer diverse perspectives and fresh ways to tackle challenges.

We value diversity deeply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law.

This role requires compliance with U.S. laws concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information (collectively, “Export Control Laws). Any offer of employment will be contingent on the need for compliance with such Export Control Laws.