Senior Shift Operations Engineer - SPARC

Cfsenergy; Harvard (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cfsenergy is looking for a Senior Shift Operations Engineer to join our team at the SPARC fusion facility in Massachusetts. This role involves ensuring reliable operation of critical infrastructure while creating and maintaining operational procedures. Candidates must have a Bachelor's in Engineering and extensive experience in operational settings.

As part of a dedicated team, you'll operate, troubleshoot, and maintain key systems while ensuring safety and compliance. We value a diverse workforce and encourage all qualified applicants to apply.

Qualifications

• Seven or more years of operations experience at complex facilities.
• Experience in high-voltage and/or complex electrical environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure continuous operation of the facility on various shifts.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on new operating procedures.
• Troubleshoot and maintain core plant systems.

Skills

Operations experience at complex facilities

High-voltage electrical environments

Industrial scale cooling systems

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field

Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field

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 working with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future. Since 2018, we’ve raised nearly $3 billion in capital, making us the largest and leading private fusion company in the world.

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.

Responsibilities

• Work full‑time on overall plant operation to ensure continuous coverage of the facility, including nights, weekends, holidays, and up to 12‑hour rotating shifts.
• Collaborate 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 core plant systems such as cooling water, compressed air, HVAC, liquid nitrogen, industrial heating, vacuum systems, cryogenic plant, and electrical distribution.
• Coordinate, oversee, and 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Seven or more years of operations experience 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 the theory of operation of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Well‑developed analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to adapt and excel in a constantly changing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new systems and concepts quickly.
• Master’s degree in Engineering or a 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.
• Ability to perform extended activities such as stooping, climbing, typing, standing, and sitting.
• 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.

We value diversity deeply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. 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.