Staff Fuel Cycle & Blanket Test Engineer

Commonwealth Fusion Systems; Harvard (MA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation with equity

Flexible vacation days

401(k) with employer matching

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is seeking a Staff Fuel Cycle & Blanket Test Engineer in Massachusetts. This role involves leading operations and testing for fusion technology, focusing on gas handling and molten salt facilities. Key responsibilities include developing test plans, conducting major system tests, and training new operators. Applicants should have an MS in a relevant engineering field with ten years of experience in R&D settings. The position offers a competitive salary from $130,000 to $200,000 annually, along with generous benefits.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in an R&D laboratory setting.
• Experience with rigorous data management.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Own infrastructure support, commissioning activities, and execution of test plans.
• Build expertise within a growing team to contribute to training programs.
• Lead major system test campaigns and integrate completed systems.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication skills

Independent problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

MS in Engineering (chemical, mechanical, aerospace, materials), physics, chemistry, or related field

Tools

Confluence

JIRA

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 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.

Staff Fuel Cycle & Blanket Test Engineer

The Staff Fuel Cycle & Blanket Test Engineer will be a technical leader in the operation, testing, and maintenance of laboratory systems for fusion fuel cycle and molten salt technology development. The responsibilities of this role will be primarily focused on building new capabilities in the day-to-day operations of the gas handling & molten salt test facilities, and general test leadership for SPARC operations. Development of test plans, commissioning procedures, and integrating the completed systems to bring them to a fully operational state are key responsibilities of the position. Job assignments in support of facility commissioning & testing should be completed in a highly independent manner, while also providing test result summaries to the Tritium and Blanket program leads, Director of Fuel Cycle & Blanket Technology, & Test Manager for general awareness of system state(s). This position will directly contribute to or lead major system test campaigns, while also working with the Test Manager to support training & development of new operators in tritium handling systems, operation of balance of plant & general lab equipment.

What you'll do

• Own infrastructure support, commissioning activities, and execution of test plans
• Build expertise within a growing team, helping scale operations by contributing to training programs, workflows, and best practices
• Contribute to team leadership while working closely with the Tritium Program lead and Blanket Program lead to design, commission and run test campaigns
• Operation & general upkeep of gas handling & molten salt facility systems & laboratory equipment
• Contribute to integrated system commissioning & build expertise in hazardous material facility operations at a technical level
• Own preventative maintenance on assigned lab equipment as needed & trend maintenance needs across the gas handling & molten salt testing facilities
• Contribute to, revise, & author operations procedures
• Document facility learnings & contribute to a culture of continuous improvement

What we’re looking for

• MS in Engineering (chemical, mechanical, aerospace, materials), physics, chemistry, or a related field, with 10 years of experience
• Experience building and executing testing in an R&D setting
• Experience working collaboratively in a laboratory setting with techs and senior scientists
• Experience with rigorous data management
• Experience writing clear lab reports and similar documentation
• Generation of formal presentations & ability to succinctly summarize findings for a range of audiences
• Attention to detail, safety, and organization to execute tests with good controls
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, technical staff and others
• Ability to clearly express and critique ideas
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Independent problem solving ability, & able to approach new problems with creativity

Bonus points for

• 10+ years work experience in a laboratory setting
• Experience working with high purity gases
• Glovebox operations & PPE use for hazardous material handling.
• Experience with analytical equipment and building high vacuum systems
• Confluence, JIRA tools
• Ability to interpret P&ID layouts & HMI indications for plant status

Must-have Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally
• Operate chainfalls & rigging equipment for repair/maintenance operations for gas processing equipment
• Perform activities such as typing, standing, and 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 occasionally or do required nights/weekends/on-call
• Operations will eventually span multiple shifts - must be flexible on working hours during peak operations

Salary

$130,000 - $200,000 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

#LI-Onsite

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.