R&D Production Test Engineer

Commonwealth Fusion Systems LLC; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Equity

Flexible vacation

Parental leave

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is seeking an experienced R&D Production Test Engineer to support testing and de-risk HTS magnet technology. You will lead cryogenic, vacuum, and high-current test campaigns, develop detailed procedures, and ensure data integrity while collaborating with magnet physicists and manufacturing experts.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in engineering or applied physics with 2+ years of hands-on testing experience. Travel, nights, weekends, and on-call work may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s (or higher) in engineering or applied physics.
• Minimum 2+ years of hands-on testing experience.
• Experience with test stand operation and data collection.
• Ability to design and evaluate test equipment and instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of electromagnetic fundamentals and troubleshooting complex systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and ability to work cross-functionally.
• Willingness to travel nights/weekends/on-call as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead magnet and other test campaigns in cryogenic, vacuum, and high-current environments.
• Develop detailed test procedures and ensure data integrity with robust instrumentation and controls.
• Support improvements to test stands, optimizing for test rate and data quality.
• Design, analyze, and build test equipment, including mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems.
• Maintain and document test requirements, risks, and safety protocols.
• Manage test schedules, budgets, and technical documentation (P&IDs, CAD designs, schematics).
• Improve test processes for repeatability and efficiency.
• Analyze test data, create custom tools for data analysis, and present findings to cross-functional teams.
• Lead anomaly investigations and resolution, collaborating with physicists and engineers.

Skills

Test stand operation

Data collection

Cross-functional collaboration

Test planning

Data analysis

Test equipment design

Electromagnetic fundamentals

Process improvement

Communication

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or applied physics

Tools

ANSYS

COMSOL

NX

Teamcenter

Ignition

Jira

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, suppliers, and many others to build the energy industry of the future.

We’re in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we’ve raised $4 billion of capital, making us the largest and leading 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 an R&D Production Test Engineer

We’re seeking an experienced Test Engineer to support the testing and de-risking of our cutting‑edge HTS magnet technology, playing a key role in advancing fusion energy. Embedded within our R&D organization, you’ll take on a broad range of responsibilities, from developing methodologies and procedures with magnet physicists to conducting root cause analysis alongside manufacturing experts working with complex new materials. This dynamic role demands flexibility, cross‑disciplinary collaboration, and the ability to execute tests on tight timelines. You’ll lead the integration and operation of complex test stands, define safety standards, develop and refine procedures, and drive continuous improvement to help achieve our extraordinary milestones in making fusion a reality.

What you’ll do:

• Lead magnet and other test campaigns in cryogenic, vacuum, and high‑current environments
• Develop detailed test procedures and ensure data integrity with robust instrumentation and controls
• Support improvements to test stands, optimizing for test rate and ensuring data quality
• Design, analyze, and build test equipment, including mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems
• Maintain and document test requirements, risks, and safety protocols
• Manage test schedules, budgets, and technical documentation (P&IDs, CAD designs, schematics, etc.)
• Improve test processes for repeatability and efficiency
• Analyze test data, create custom tools for data analysis, and present findings to cross‑functional teams
• Lead anomaly investigations and resolution, collaborating with physicists and engineers

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s (or higher) in engineering or applied physics, with 2+ years of hands‑on testing experience
• Expertise in test stand operation, data collection, and cross‑functional collaboration
• Strong background in test planning, data analysis, and test equipment design
• Experience with electromagnetic fundamentals and troubleshooting complex systems
• A passion for process improvement and innovative problem‑solving
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present technical topics clearly
• Self‑motivated, results‑driven, and eager to learn

Bonus points for:

• Experience with structural FEA software, particularly ANSYS and COMSOL
• Proficiency in using NX and Teamcenter for designing complex test equipment and assemblies
• Experience with Ignition for developing Human Machine Interfaces
• Proficiency in using Jira or similar ticket and task tracking software for managing projects and status
• Experience with large‑scale data collection, manipulation, and analysis to derive actionable insights
• Hands‑on experience operating complex test stands for long‑duration test campaigns

Must‑have requirements:

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Perform activities such as typing, climbing, standing, stooping or sitting for extended periods of time
• Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on‑call
• Work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics

$70,000 - $120,000 a year

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

#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”). Any offer of employment will be contingent on the need for compliance with such Export Control Laws.