R&D Technician - First Shift

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision Insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Generous leave and holidays

Equity eligibility

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is seeking an R&D Technician for first shift in Devens, MA. You will assist R&D staff with prototype production, troubleshooting, and equipment maintenance to enable manufacturing scale.

The role emphasizes safety, quality, and cross‑department collaboration. Responsibilities include setting up and running equipment, documenting results, and supporting projects from concept to deployment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent or higher.
• Experience with mechanical and electrical assembly, plumbing, vacuum, cryogenic systems, soldering, and wiring.
• Strong experience with composites fabrication and related processes.

Responsibilities

• Assist in building new products and magnet prototypes.
• Prepare prototypes for internal/external evaluation for robustness.
• Conduct process monitoring, equipment capability, and troubleshooting; implement improvements.
• Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain R&D equipment.
• Assist in installation and readiness of new projects.
• Support testing, specifications, and establishment of manufacturing processes.
• Maintain accurate records of projects and suggest process improvements.
• Provide technical assistance to internal customers (QA, QC, Engineering, Management).

Skills

hand tools & power tools

precision measuring tools

mechanical and electrical assembly

vacuum systems

cryogenic systems

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Winding equipment

Cryogenic handling equipment

Machining/machine shop equipment

Job description

R&D Technician - First ShiftDevens, MARS&D – SPARC R&D /Full-time /On-site

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 Technician

The R&D Technician is an exciting and evolving role with a responsibility for assisting R&D staff with all aspects of product development, commercialization, and on-going manufacturing support, including prototype production, process monitoring, troubleshooting, and any related activities. Ensures functional operation and preventative maintenance of equipment and continuous improvement. Responsibilities include close cooperation with Operations, Maintenance, Quality and other departments to ensure goals and objectives are met. This role will lead the way to making Earth sustainable for the future to come.

What you'll do:

• Assist in building new products and magnet prototypes
• Prepare prototypes for internal and/or external customer evaluation and to ensure robustness
• Conduct process monitoring activities, equipment capability & production trouble-shooting, identifying, communicating and implementing viable solutions
• Set-up, operates, troubleshoots, and maintains R&D equipment
• Assist in Installation and readiness of new projects
• Assist the Senior R&D Staff with testing, specification development, establishment of manufacturing processes and procedure
• Maintain accurate records of all projects and assignments while suggesting continuous improvements to better the process into manufacturing
• Provide technical assistance to internal customers (QA, QC, Engineering, Management)
• Maintain a safe work environment and operates in a safe manner
• Perform other related job duties related to the job, as assigned by management

What we’re looking for:

• High school diploma/equivalency certificate or higher
• Minimum of 3 years experience with a wide variety of hand tools and power tools including precision measuring tools
• 3-5 years experience or equivalent in a variety of technical support skills such as but not limited to - mechanical and electrical assembly, plumbing, vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, soldering, and wiring
• Strong experience with composites fabrication, prepreg layup and cure, vacuum resin infusion, mold fabrication and preparation, epoxy potting or injection molding experience
• Experience with winding equipment of any type
• High Temperature Superconducting material processing
• Working with cryogenic chemicals such as LN2 and Helium
• Strong experience using hand tools, basic power tools and operating machine shop equipment
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs PLC software or similar data analyzing software
• Forklift experience
• Crane or lifting experience including MA 3A hoisting license.
• Strong written and oral communications skills & techniques, with high level of attention to detail
• Effective root cause analysis and problem solving skills
• Effective planning & organizing skills; ability to handle multiple tasks/duties
• Proficient PC skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Ability to maintain a positive, professional, cooperative demeanor, conduct, and working relationship with peers, management, employees, and other individuals that interact with this position.
• Ability to comply with, interpret and support procedures, work rules and protocols
• Ability to adapt effectively to workplace changes and new job duties/responsibilities
• Ability to represent the Company in a positive and professional manner at all times
• Commitment to safety and quality

Must-have Requirements:

Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs

Perform activities such as stooping, typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time

Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, high voltage, and cryogenics

Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally

$30 - $45 an hour 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

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