Materials Test Operator - Second Shift

Cfsenergy; Harvard (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is seeking a materials testing technician to join our lab team, performing tensile, hardness, microscopy, and cryogenic testing, and supporting equipment maintenance.

You will execute tests, document results with rigor, follow SOPs, and collaborate with engineers and scientists in a fast-paced, safety‑driven R&D environment. Occasional travel and strict adherence to lab protocols are expected.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Prepare test specimens and perform laboratory experiments.
• Conduct materials testing including tensile, fatigue, and fracture toughness tests.
• Operate testing equipment and manage data reporting in the lab.
• Support inventory management and equipment maintenance.
• Maintain documentation and ensure test quality across assignments.

Skills

Materials testing

Mechanical testing

Microscopy

Cryogenic testing

Data documentation

Safety procedures

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or higher

Tools

Instron‑based systems

Bluehill software

Wavematrix

Vacuum systems

Metallography

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

• Prepare test specimens and performs laboratory experiments
• Conduct continuousimprovement in the materials test and characterization laboratory
• Support inventory management on 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
• Complete mechanical testing including tensile testing, shear testing, fatigue testing, fracture toughness testing and other custom testing in extreme environments of cryogenic temperatures and high temperatures
• Complete 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
• Have the ability and desire to work on multiple, different assignments
• Have the flexibility to adapt to changes in lab operations, priorities, and schedules
• Maintain proper documentation with attention to detail
• Be comfortable with performing repeated tests while still maintaining test quality
• Perform other related job duties as assigned by management

Qualifications

• 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
• Experience with Instron‑based mechanical test systems, Bluehill and Wavematrix software is a plus
• Testing to industry or international standards
• Experience operating tensile load frames, 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

Physical 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

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.