R&D Technician - First Shift

Commonwealth Fusion Systems LLC

Harvard (MA)

On-site

USD 65,000 - 90,000

Full time

8 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Holidays

Flexible vacation

Sick days

Parental leave

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Professional growth

Team-building

Equity

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems LLC is seeking an R&D Technician to support prototype development, manufacturing readiness, and ongoing process improvements. You will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering to ensure robust prototypes and reliable manufacturing support.

The role emphasizes hands-on use of tools, equipment setup, process monitoring, and collaboration with multiple teams to advance fusion technology and Earth-sustainable outcomes.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent is required or higher.
Minimum 3 years experience with hand/power tools and precision measuring tools.
3–5 years in mechanical/electrical assembly, plumbing, vacuum/cryo systems, soldering, and wiring.

Responsibilities

Assist in building new products and magnet prototypes.
Prepare prototypes for internal/external evaluation and robustness testing.
Monitor processes and troubleshoot equipment failures; implement viable solutions.
Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain R&D equipment.
Assist in installation and readiness of new projects.
Support Senior staff with testing, specs, and manufacturing process development.
Maintain records and suggest process improvements for manufacturing.
Provide technical support to QA, QC, Engineering, and Management.
Maintain a safe work environment and adhere to safety practices.

Skills

Hand tools & power tools

Precision measuring tools

Mechanical assembly

Electrical assembly

Plumbing

Vacuum systems

Cryogenic systems

Soldering

Wiring

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Winding 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, 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 ongoing 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

Bonus points for

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

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.

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: