Research Technician

Commonwealth Fusion Systems; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer matching

13 company-wide holidays

Flexible vacation days

Sick days

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is seeking a Research Technician to join our R&D and pilot team, supporting materials characterization and metrology for next-generation superconductors. The role emphasizes collaboration with engineers and technicians to drive experimental studies and data-driven decisions.

The successful candidate has a Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years in process or metrology roles, with strong attention to safety and quality in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience working as a process or metrology technician in related R&D or manufacturing.
• Commitment to safety and quality.
• Ability to take directions from supervisors and work independently in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail and cleanliness with hands-on work.

Responsibilities

• Assist with process development and experimental studies.
• Operate laboratory tools and systems.
• Perform materials characterization and data analysis.
• Report on and be accountable for project progress to Senior Process Lead.

Skills

Process technician

Metrology

Data analysis

Laboratory safety

Technical reading

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

XRD

SEM

AFM

GDOES

Profilometry

Job description

• Bachelor’s degree

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 Research Technician

We’re looking for a Research Technician to join our R&D and pilot team to help build the next generation of superconductor technology. This CFS R&D Technician will provide technical support and assistance in R&D and process development projects focusing on materials characterization and metrology. The role will interact with R&D technical staff, process engineers, and metrology engineers. This role requires attention to detail, procedural discipline and timely execution. If you enjoy working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, this is your opportunity to make an impact.

What you’ll do:

• Work within a multi-disciplinary and proven team of top scientists and engineers;
• Assist with the process development and experimental studies;
• Operate laboratory tools and systems;
• Perform materials characterization and data analysis;
• Report on and be accountable for project progress to Senior Process Lead

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum 3 years of experience working as a process or metrology technician in related R&D or manufacturing
• Commitment to safety and quality
• Ability to take directions from supervisors and work independently in a fast-paced, startup environment
• Meticulous attention to detail and cleanliness with hands-on work
• Ability and patience to work through projects from start to finish, including test execution, data collection and reporting
• Demonstrated ability in reading and understanding technical instructions and manuals
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and teamwork skills

Bonus points for:

• B.S. degree in a relevant field preferred, e.g., materials science, physics, or chemistry
• Experience in semiconductors, flat panel, battery, solar cell, optoelectronics or related fields
• Material characterization tools and methodologies such as XRD, SEM, AFM, GDOES, profilometry, etc

Must-have Requirements:

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, 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, and cryogenics
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally, including compressed work-week shift schedule

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:

• 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