Materials Test Operator - Contract

Commonwealth Fusion Systems LLC; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems LLC is seeking a Contract Materials Test Operator to perform a range of materials testing and characterization tasks in our onsite lab. You will prepare specimens, run experiments, manage data, and support continuous improvements in test processes.

The role involves operating Instron or similar systems, metallography, microscopy, and cryogenic environments. Strong attention to detail, safety, and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent or higher.
• Minimum 2 years experience with basic materials prep and testing tools.
• Experience with mechanical and electrical assembly, vacuum and cryogenic systems, soldering, wiring is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare test specimens and perform laboratory experiments.
• Drive continuous improvement in the materials test and characterization lab.
• Support inventory management and report for purchasing.
• Execute materials test Jira tickets and QBench orders per SOPs.
• Operate standard and customized materials testing equipment and methods.
• Conduct tests with data management and reporting.

Skills

Materials testing

Data reporting

Documentation

Safety procedures

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Laboratory procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Relevant technical training

Tools

Instron Testing Machines

Metallography

Microscopy

QBench software

Cryogenic systems handling

Job description

Join the power movement as a Contract Materials Test Operator

The materials test operator position entails materials testing, communication between multiple internal stakeholders, detailed data reporting, equipment maintenance and upkeep, production line support, and continuous improvement.

Current and future laboratory equipment includes but is not limited to: mechanical and electrochemical, metallographic specimen polishing and preparation, visible light and electron microscopy, high temperature heat treatments, static and dynamic mechanical testing in a wide range of environments (including cryogenic and high temperature), 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
• - 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
• - 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

#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