MATERIALS TEST OPERATOR, ($30-$45/HR)

Commonwealth Fusion Systems; Harvard (MA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is seeking a Materials Test Operator to support our mechanical testing and characterization lab. You will prepare specimens, run tests with Instron machines, perform metallographic prep and microscopy, and report data with precision.

This on-site, full-time role requires attention to detail, teamwork with the materials group, and adherence to safety procedures. Experience with data acquisition and lab maintenance is valued.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; 2+ years in materials prep and testing.
• At least 2 years’ experience with mechanical/electrical assembly and vacuum/cryogenic systems.
• Attention to detail to maintain data quality across repeated tests.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced R&D environment with daily changes.
• Strong problem-solving and written/spoken communication skills.
• Proficient PC skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare test specimens and perform laboratory experiments.
• Execute Jira tickets and QBench orders per SOPs.
• Operate standard and customized materials testing equipment and methods.
• Conduct mechanical tests (tensile, compression, fatigue) across temperatures using Instron systems.
• Use load cells, extensometers, gauges to ensure accurate data acquisition.
• Prepare metallographic samples, perform microscopy and hardness tests.
• Assemble custom fixturing and test stands for R&D needs.
• Maintain data integrity and troubleshoot test lifecycles.
• Support equipment installation, calibration, and maintenance.
• Assist with inventory and purchasing needs; contribute to lab improvements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Mechanical testing

Data acquisition

Metallography

Microscopy

Documentation

Problem solving

Communication skills

PC skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Instron

Bluehill

Wavematrix

Microscopy equipment

Job description

MATERIALS TEST OPERATOR ($30-$45/HR)

About Commonwealth Fusion

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 are designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. Since 2018, we have raised nearly $3 billion in capital and are the leading private fusion company in the world.

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 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 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.

The Schedule Full-time, on-site

What You'll Do

• Prepare test specimens and perform laboratory experiments
• Execute materials test Jira tickets and QBench orders per standard operating procedures
• Operate industry-standard and customized materials testing and characterization equipment and test methods
• Conduct mechanical testing including destructive testing (tensile, compression, flexural, shear, peel, and fatigue) using Instron Universal Testing Machines and custom tests across temperature ranges
• Use instrumentation including load cells, torque wrenches, extensometers, strain gauges, calipers, and micrometers to ensure accurate data acquisition
• Perform metallographic sample preparation (cutting, grinding, polishing), microscopy, hardness testing, magnetic and electrical testing
• Assemble custom fixturing and test stands for R&D requirements
• Maintain rigorous documentation to ensure data integrity and effective troubleshooting throughout the test lifecycle
• Support equipment installation, maintenance, calibration, alignment, and troubleshooting
• Support inventory management for consumables and spare parts and report purchasing needs
• Support continuous improvement in the materials test and characterization laboratory
• Perform other related duties as assigned

What We're Looking For

• High school Diploma/equivalency Certificate Or Higher - Minimum 2 Years Experience with basic materials prep and testing tools
• Minimum 2 years experience with technical support skills including mechanical and electrical assembly, vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, soldering, and wiring
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to maintain data quality while performing repeated tests
• Ability to work in a fast-paced R&D environment with daily changes
• Strong problem-solving skills and creative approach to new problems
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Proficient PC skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to comply with, interpret, and support procedures, work rules, and protocols
• Commitment to CFS safety procedures and policies
• Bonus Points For: Experience with Instron-based mechanical test systems; Bluehill and Wavematrix software a plus