Senior Controls Engineer

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Harvard (MA)

On-site

USD 110,000 - 190,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health insurance

Generous PTO

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems seeks a Senior Controls Engineer to own execution approaches for complex machine concepts, mentoring juniors, and delivering robust system architectures. You will write PLC code, define milestones, and influence cross‑functional teams using data‑driven approaches.

You’ll lead key electro‑mechanical control initiatives, ensure NFPA/NEC compliance, and advance manufacturing and test equipment with demonstrable impact on project milestones.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering is required.
7+ years of controls engineering on complex electro-mechanical systems.
Proficiency in IEC 61131-3 languages and safety system standards.

Responsibilities

Lead concept development for complex machines, balancing specs and lead times.
Develop robust system architectures and electrical schematics per standards.
Write and debug PLC structured text focusing on maintainability.
Mentor junior engineers and support cross-functional alignment.

Skills

Controls engineering

IEC 61131-3

Safety systems

Troubleshooting

Problem solving

Beckhoff

Siemens

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Ignition SCADA

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 a Senior Controls Engineer

As a Senior Controls Engineer, you are an expert in core functions and have a deep understanding of specific domains. You will take independent ownership of developing execution approaches for complex machine and process concepts, operating with little direction from management. You will generate detailed work plans, define milestones for complex work, and define processes that impact the broader department. You will act as a technical leader, providing expertise for long‑term assignments and mentoring junior engineering staff.

What you'll do:

Lead the initial equipment conceptual development while balancing product specifications, process control requirements, layout complexity, and lead time limits

Provide technical leadership on medium to long‑term problems and provide expertise outside of the immediate group

Create and approve robust system architectures and electrical schematics (compliant with NFPA79/NEC/UL508A standards) for manufacturing and test equipment

Write and debug PLC structured text with an emphasis on code that is organized, documented, maintainable, and reusable

Contribute to department policies, tool development, and the characterization of automated processes using data‑driven approaches like Cpk and Gage R&R

Respectfully challenge and influence cross‑functional peers to achieve alignment on the best path forward, leveraging data and rationale to support your point of view

Regularly help onboard peer employees and formally mentor junior colleagues to support their professional growth and skill development

Identify and mitigate low and medium risks while identifying larger risks and proposing solutions to management

What we're looking for:

Bachelor's degree in engineering field is required

7+ years' experience as controls engineer on complex electro‑mechanical systems

Mastery of programming and troubleshooting automation controllers in all IEC 61131‑3 designated languages

Proven ability to apply sound reasoning and considerable judgment in ambiguous situations where decisions impact large portions of a project

Experience with control reliable safety systems (ANSI/RIA15.06/ OSHA compliant) and enclosure design standards

A reliable and persistent work ethic, seeing tasks through to completion and staying determined in the face of uncertainty and failure

Familiarity with rotating machinery, cable winding, soldering, and/or pipe bending

Expertise in enclosure design compliant with NFPA79/NEC/UL508A standards

Collaboration experience with job shops and external vendors

High self‑motivation and drive to execute quickly with excellent troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills

A value for design for manufacturability, serviceability, and simplicity over complexity

Bonus points for:

Experience in Beckhoff and Siemens controls platforms

Experience in Ignition SCADA systems

Machine Vision experience

Greenfield or brownfield startup commissioning experience

Expertise with CAD drafting, specifically AutoCAD Electrical

Must‑have requirements:

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally

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

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

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

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.

Export Control Laws compliance:

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: