Senior Shift Operations Engineer - SPARC

Commonwealth Fusion Systems; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is seeking a Senior Shift Operations Engineer to join the SPARC plant operations team. The role focuses on preparation, commissioning, and 24/7 operation of critical fusion facility infrastructure, including electrical distribution, cooling water, HVAC, cryogenics, and HTS magnets.

You will contribute to procedures, maintenance planning, and training in a first-of-a-kind environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering or related field is required.
• 7+ years of operations experience in complex facilities.
• Experience in high-voltage and/or complex electrical environments.
• Experience with industrial scale cooling water and/or ventilation systems.
• Previously qualified in Lockout/Tagout (LOTO).
• Solid understanding of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain the SPARC plant systems and equipment.
• Develop and implement operating and commissioning procedures for systems being designed and built.
• Coordinate field work activities with safety standards and schedule constraints.
• Create maintenance plans for long-term reliability of systems.
• Support training of operations staff for safe plant operations.
• Maintain 24/7 plant coverage including rotating shifts and holidays.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on procedural improvements.
• Lead or participate in troubleshooting and incident investigations.

Skills

Operations leadership

Troubleshooting

Safety compliance

LOTO

Electrical systems

Analytical thinking

Communication

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems:

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy.

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 Shift Operations Engineer - SPARC

Reporting to the Manager of SPARC Plant Operations, the Senior Shift Operations Engineer is a foundational member of the team responsible for the preparation, commissioning, and 24/7 operation of the SPARC fusion facility. As an operator of the SPARC plant, you will ensure the reliability of critical infrastructure, including electrical distribution, cooling water, compressed air, HVAC, cryogenic cooling systems, and HTS magnets.

The Senior Shift Operations Engineer will also contribute to procedure development, commissioning, maintenance planning, work management, troubleshooting, testing, and training. This is a high-impact role requiring a self-motivated engineer who thrives in a dynamic, "first-of-a-kind" environment where troubleshooting and rigorous operational standards are the norms.

What you'll do:

• Fully dedicated to overall plant operation to ensure full time coverage of the operating facility. Working on flexible, rotating shift coverage including nights and weekends for 24/7 coverage, with up to 12-hour, rotating shifts (including days, nights, weekends, and holidays)
• Work hand in hand with engineering teams to develop and execute new operating and commissioning procedures for systems being designed, built, and commissioned
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain systems that have been commissioned and integrated to the plant
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain assigned core plant systems, including but not limited to cooling water, compressed air, HVAC, liquid nitrogen, industrial heating systems, vacuum systems, cryogenic plant, and electrical distribution
• Coordinate, oversee, and/or perform field work activities, ensuring safe and efficient execution
• Develop standard operating procedures and ensure compliance with established safety protocols
• Perform switching and tagging (LOTO) to support site maintenance and operations
• Create maintenance plans for new systems to ensure long-term reliability
• Support training efforts to prepare operations staff for safe and effective plant operations

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering or related field
• 7+ years in operations at complex facilities
• Experience in high-voltage and/or complex electrical environments
• Experience with industrial scale process, cooling water and/or ventilation systems
• Previously qualified in Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) / Tagging Program
• Comprehensive understanding of engineering principles and theory of operation of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to adapt and excel in a constantly changing environment
• Demonstrated ability to learn new systems and concepts quickly

Bonus points for:

• Masters Degree in Engineering or related field
• Experience with operation of cryogenic process systems
• Experience working in radiologically controlled environments
• Experience with operation of high purity gas systems
• Experience with operation of high-voltage or high current electrical systems
• Experience working with high power radio frequency systems
• Experience with industrial software controls integration and troubleshooting
• Strong background in Human Performance principles

Must-have Requirements:

• Perform extended activities such as stooping, climbing, typing, standing, sitting, etc
• Willingness to work flexible, rotating shift coverage including nights and weekends for 24/7 coverage, with up to 12-hour, rotating shifts (including days, nights, weekends, and holidays)
• 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

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