Materials Test Operator

Commonwealth Fusion Systems; Harvard (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Generous paid time off

Equity

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is seeking a Materials Test Operator to support the mechanical testing and characterization lab, aiding HTS magnet research and component testing. You’ll handle tensile, compression, flexural, shear, and fatigue tests with Instron equipment, while preparing specimens and reporting data.

Role involves collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, calibration, and maintaining lab equipment. High school diploma or higher and 2+ years’ experience preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or higher.
• Minimum 2 years experience with basic materials prep and testing tools.
• Experience with mechanical and electrical assembly, vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, soldering, and wiring.
• Participate in and promote CFS safety procedures and policies.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced R&D environment with daily changes.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and technical staff.
• Ability to rapidly execute short turnaround materials testing tasks.

Responsibilities

• Prepare test specimens and perform laboratory experiments.
• Continuous improvement in the materials test and characterization laboratory.
• Support inventory management on consumables/spare parts and report up for purchasing.
• Execute materials test Jira tickets and QBench orders per SOPs.
• Operate industry standard and customized materials testing equipment and test methods.
• Conduct materials testing independently under guidance from a materials test engineer.
• Mechanical testing including tensile, compression, flexural, shear, and fatigue.
• Maintain data management and reporting, calibration, and alignment of equipment.
• Assemble custom fixturing and test stands for R&D requirements.
• Handle multiple assignments with flexibility to adapt to changes.
• Maintain rigorous documentation ensuring data integrity and troubleshooting.

Skills

Safety procedures

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Problem solving

Written and oral communication

Technical support

Data management

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or higher

Tools

Instron equipment

Bluehill software

Wavematrix software

Microscopy equipment

Vacuum & cryogenic systems

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.

Join the power movement as Materials Test Operator

The Materials Department at CFS is looking for a materials test operator to support our mechanical testing and characterization laboratory. Materials at CFS supports the design and engineering of all components needed for fusion systems and high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets. Working closely with the team lead, the materials test operator provides continuous support for both industry-standard and customized mechanical testing—including tensile, compression, flexural, shear, and fatigue. This role balances rigorous mechanical data acquisition and equipment operation with essential metallographic specimen preparation and microscopy. The operator is responsible for communication with internal stakeholders, detailed data reporting, equipment maintenance, and production line support. Laboratory capabilities include, but are not limited to: mechanical testing (Universal Testing Machines such as Instron, Load Cells, Extensometers), metallographic specimen polishing and preparation, microscopy, heat treatments, magnetic property evaluation, and other thermophysical tests.

What you\'ll do:

• Prepare test specimens and performs laboratory experiments
• Continuous improvement in the materials test and characterization laboratory
• Support inventory management on consumable/spare parts and report up for purchasing
• Execution of materials test Jira tickets and QBench orders in accordance with the standard operating procedures
• Operating industry standard and customized materials testing and characterization equipment, processes, and test methods
• Conducting materials testing independently under the input from a materials test engineer including data management and reporting
• Mechanical testing includes destructive testing (Tensile, Compression, Flexural, Shear, Peel, and Fatigue) using Instron Universal Testing Machines, and other custom testing in extreme environments over a range of temperatures
• Utilizing instrumentation including Load Cells, Torque Wrenches, Extensometers, Strain Gauges, Calipers, and Micrometers to ensure accurate data acquisition
• Materials characterization includes metallographic sample preparation (cutting, grinding, polishing), microscopy, hardness testing, magnetic and electrical testing
• Support in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment, including equipment calibration and alignment for effective usage
• Assembling custom fixturing and test stands to meet unique R&D requirements
• Ability and desire to work on multiple, different assignments
• Flexibility to adapt to changes in lab operations, priorities, and schedules
• Maintain rigorous documentation with attention to detail, ensuring data integrity and effective troubleshooting throughout the test lifecycle
• Comfortable with performing repeated tests while still maintaining test quality
• Perform other related job duties as assigned by management

What we\'re looking for:

• High school diploma/equivalency certificate or higher
• Minimum 2 years experience with with basic materials prep and testing tools
• Minimum 2 years experience with a variety of technical support skills including but not limited to mechanical and electrical assembly, vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, soldering, and wiring
• Participate in and promote CFS’ safety procedures and policies
• Desire to work in a fast-paced R&D environment with daily changes
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, technical staff and others
• Ability to rapidly execute short turnaround materials testing tasks
• Strong problem solving skills, ability to approach new problems with creativity
• Strong written and oral communications skills & techniques
• Effective root cause analysis and problem-solving skills
• Proficient PC skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Ability to comply, interpret and support procedures, work rules, and protocols

Bonus points for:

• Experience with Instron-based mechanical test systems, Bluehill and Wavematrix software is a plus
• Testing to industry or international standards (e.g. ASTM D638, ASTM E8, ISO)
• Experience working with cryogens such as Liquid Nitrogen and Liquid Helium
• Experience with strain-gage application
• Experience using electrical test devices
• Experience with metallographic sample preparationand analysis
• Experience with hazardous chemical use and management
• Experience with vacuum systems
• Experience operating shop equipment including horizontal band saws, drill presses, grinders/sanders, etc
• Ability to follow engineering procedures andinstructions
• Understands materials testing and characterization equipment operations and processes

Must-have requirements:

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Perform activities such as typing, 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, 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.

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