Senior Shift Operations Engineer - SPARC

Commonwealth Fusion Systems; Harvard (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation with equity

Flexible vacation days

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems in Harvard, MA is looking for a Senior Shift Operations Engineer responsible for the 24/7 operation of the SPARC fusion facility. This role includes overseeing critical infrastructure and developing new operating procedures.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years in operations, a Bachelor's in Engineering, and experience with high-voltage systems. Benefits include competitive compensation, flexible vacation days, and a supportive workplace.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in operations at complex facilities.
• Experience with cooling water and ventilation systems.
• Ability to perform extended activities like climbing and standing.

Responsibilities

• Ensure full-time coverage for plant operations.
• Develop and execute operating and commissioning procedures.
• Maintain systems including electrical distribution and HVAC.

Skills

Operations management

High-voltage experience

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Mechanical system understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Industrial software controls

Job description

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.

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

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 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 systemsExperience 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

$110,000 - $185,000 a year.

Benefits

• 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

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.