Materials Test Engineer - Electrical

Cfsenergy; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is seeking a seasoned Materials/Electrical Test Engineer to evaluate and qualify materials for high‑voltage environments. You will own electrical testing across coupon to full assemblies, write specs and SOPs, and translate performance data into actionable design guidance.

With 5+ years in composites and insulation testing, you will design custom test setups, mentor junior staff, and coordinate with safety, R&D, and supply chain to meet evolving needs in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• BS in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with process-structure-properties fundamentals of composites.
• Experience in high-voltage and insulation testing; able to troubleshoot test setups.
• Proficiency with CAD for designing test fixtures and components.
• Familiarity with ASTM/ISO material standards and radiation/plasma effects.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, test and qualify materials and components for structural and functional applications.
• Own electrical testing across coupon, sub-assembly, and component-level hardware.
• Author and maintain material test specifications, SOPs, and calibration practices.
• Review and report material property data into databases for design teams.
• Design and support custom electrical characterization test setups and stands.
• Support product design-build-test-learn cycles and reduce technical risks.
• Assist in qualification of composite materials and translate requirements into property specs.
• Collaborate with safety, R&D, supply chain, and test validation teams.

Skills

High-voltage testing

Dielectric testing

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Troubleshooting

Material insulation knowledge

Effective communication

Education

BS in Materials Science Engineering

BS in Mechanical Engineering

BS in Applied Physics

Tools

NX CAD

SolidWorks

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 and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future.

We’re in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we’ve raised nearly $3 billion in capital, making us the largest and leading private 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.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, test and qualify materials and components for structural and functional applications within SPARC and ARC
• Own the execution and interpretation of electrical testing across coupon, sub-assembly, and component‑level hardware, including dielectric, impulse, and Paschen testing
• Author and maintain materials test specifications, SOPs, and calibration practices for testing equipment and test stands.
• Review, interpret, and report materials property data into version‑controlled databases, ensuring high quality and actionable recommendations for design teams
• Design, develop, and support custom electrical characterization test setups, instrumentation, and other custom test stands and test methods to meet evolving company needs
• Participate in the product design‑build‑test‑learn cycles and retire technical risks by translating performance requirements into test plans and specifications
• Support the selection, development, and qualification of composite materials, and translate performance requirements into material property specifications
• Work closely with other CFS teams including:
  • Safety team to manage hazards in existing and new experiments
  • Adjacent R&D teams to optimally share pooled resources including equipment and personnel
  • Supply chain team to procure new equipment and materials
  • Test validation and analysis for data generated by materials test operators and R&D technicians

Qualifications

• BS in Materials science engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics or related field
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• Hands‑on experience with process‑structure‑properties fundamentals of engineering composites (e.g., fiber‑reinforced polymers)
• Experience in high‑voltage and insulation‑related testing, including the ability to troubleshoot test setups, instrumentation, and unexpected test behavior
• Experience with Paschen curves, dielectric breakdown mechanisms, and the fundamentals of electricity
• Proficiency in CAD (e.g., NX, Solidworks) for the design of specialized electrical test fixtures and custom test stand components
• Experience managing multiple test requests and priorities independently, including resource estimation and schedule communication
• Strong ability to analyze complex datasets to identify trends and performance risks in material insulation systems
• Experience mentoring junior engineers or technicians on electrical testing methods and laboratory safety protocols
• Understanding process‑structure‑properties‑performance principles for composites
• Able to think creatively and possess strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively cross‑functionally
• Excellent organizational skills including prioritization of multiple concurrent projects
• Ability to break down complex problems into smaller deliverables that add value
• Experience with electrical testing in extreme environments (high temperature, cryogenic, vacuum)
• Prior experience authoring internal material specifications or working with international materials standards (ASTM, ISO etc)
• Familiarity with the effects of radiation and plasma on the electrical performance of composite materials

Work Environment and Other Requirements

• Extended activities such as typing, standing, and sitting
• Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, metallographic etchants 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.