Fiber Optic Specialist

Commonwealth Fusion Systems; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems located in Somerville, Massachusetts, seeks an experienced technician to manage fiber optics for the SPARC fusion machine. The ideal candidate will have over four years of relevant experience and the ability to work safely under various conditions.

This role involves routine handling, testing, and training procedures. We value diverse perspectives and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• 4+ years experience in fiber optics field applications.
• Experience in taking measurements using various equipment.
• Experience handling fiber in a lab setting.

Responsibilities

• Handle, splice, and test fibers for the SPARC fusion machine.
• Integrate mechanical assemblies with fiber work.
• Train technicians in fiber handling procedures.

Skills

Fiber coating removal

Fiber re‑coating

Specialty fiber splicing

Fiber proof‑testing

Measurement and analysis techniques

Good communication skills

Good attention to detail

Tools

OTDR

OSA

OBR

Power meter

Optical tools

Job description

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy. Combinting decades of research, top talent, and new technologies, we’re designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And we’re working with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future. Since 2018, we’ve raised nearly $3 billion in capital, making us the largest and leading private fusion company in the world.

What you’ll do

• Conduct the handling, routing, splicing, testing, and potential repair of 1000’s of fibers throughout the SPARC fusion machine
• Perform mechanical integration of small assemblies adjacent or in conjunction with the fiber work, such as passthrough flanges and enclosures for the fibers
• Install composite or polymer wrappings for the fibers and their enclosures
• Train other technicians as needed in the proper installation, splicing, routing, and measurement procedures
• Improve safety protocols for laser and fiber optic handling
• Fulfill manufacturing and R&D fiber needs

What we’re looking for

• 4+ years experience in fiber optics field applications
• Experience with taking attenuation, insertion loss, and spectral analysis measurements using various measurement equipment (such as OTDR, OSA, OBR, power meter, etc.)
• Must have experience fiber handling in a lab setting with known standards

Bonus points for

• 7+ years experience in fiber optics field applications
• Experience in utilizing distributed sensing arrays
• Experience with polyimide and a variety of coated fibers
• At least 1 year experience in teaching and/or training fiber splicing techniques and cable assemblies
• Experienced with designing, building, and testing fiber cable assemblies, particularly in cryogen and vacuum conditions
• Experience performing fiber optic work in environments with limited space or requiring odd positions
• Skills:
  1. Fiber coating removal
  2. Fiber re‑coating
  3. Specialty fiber splicing
  4. Fiber proof‑testing
• Measurement and analysis techniques with optical tools and equipment such as interrogators, optical multiplexers, optical switches, fault locators, OTDR, etc.
• Knowledgeable about various optics sensing techniques and optical attenuation/insertion loss mechanisms
• Basic Materials Science knowledge
• Good communication skills
• Good attention to detail

Must‑have Requirements

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Perform activities:
  1. Stooping, typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
  2. May need to operate in small confined places in odd locations
  3. Work locations could include being on platforms around 25 feet high
• 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

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.