Materials Test Operator - Second Shift

Commonwealth Fusion Systems; Harvard (MA); On-site; USD 41,328 - 61,992; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation with equity

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is seeking a Materials Test Operator for their Second Shift, working from 2:00 to 11:00 pm. This role involves supporting the materials testing and characterization laboratory, preparing test specimens, and operating testing equipment. Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma, at least 2 years of experience in materials prep and testing tools, and strong problem-solving skills. Benefits include competitive compensation, health insurance, and a focus on professional growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience with basic materials prep and testing tools.
• Experience with mechanical and electrical assembly, vacuum systems, and soldering.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare test specimens and perform laboratory experiments.
• Conduct continuous improvement in the materials test laboratory.
• Operate industry-standard testing and characterization equipment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Tools

Mechanical testing equipment

Electrochemical testing equipment

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 a Materials Test Operator – Second Shift

The Materials Department at CFS is looking for a materials test operator to support the materials testing and characterization laboratory. Materials at CFS supports the design and engineering of all components needed for fusion systems and high‑temperature superconducting magnets. Working closely with the team lead for materials testing and characterization, the team of materials test operators provides continuous support for both industry‑standard and customized material and component testing. This includes 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 testing, 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. The materials test operators will be responsible for conducting these tasks.

• Hours: 2:00 – 11:00 pm
• 10% differential added to the pay rate for second shift

What you’ll do:

• Prepare test specimens and perform laboratory experiments
• Conduct continuous improvement in the materials test and characterization laboratory
• Support inventory management of consumable/spare parts and report up for purchasing
• Execute materials tech tickets in accordance with the standard operating procedures and job hazard analyses
• Operate industry‑standard and customized materials testing and characterization equipment, processes, and test methods
• Conduct materials testing independently under the input from a materials test engineer including data management and reporting
• Perform mechanical testing, including tensile, shear, fatigue, fracture toughness, and other custom testing in extreme environments of cryogenic and high temperatures
• Perform materials characterization, including metallographic sample preparation (cutting, grinding, polishing), microscopy and imaging, hardness testing, magnetic and electrical testing
• Support installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment for effective usage as needed
• Handle multiple, different assignments
• Adapt to changes in lab operations, priorities, and schedules
• Maintain proper documentation with attention to detail
• Perform 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 basic materials prep and testing tools
• Minimum 2 years experience with a variety of technical support skills including mechanical and electrical assembly, vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, soldering, and wiring
• Participation in and promotion of 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 with, interpret, and support procedures, work rules, and protocols

Bonus points for:

• Experience with Instron‑based mechanical test systems, Bluehill and Wavematrix software
• Testing to industry or international standards
• Experience operating tensile load frames and strain gauges
• Experience as a microscopist (optical or electron)
• Experience using electrical test devices
• Experience with metallographic sample preparation and 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 and instructions
• Understands materials testing and characterization equipment operations and processes
• Experience working with cryogens such as liquid nitrogen and liquid helium

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

$30 – $45 per hour

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

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.