R&D HTS Test Engineer

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. 

We’re in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we’ve raised over $2 billion in capital – more than any other fusion energy company in the U.S.

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 R&D HTS Test Engineer

The HTS R&D team at CFS is looking to hire an HTS R&D Engineer to support the ongoing design, engineering, and delivery of the SPARC net energy tokamak being built in Devens, MA and the future ARC tokamaks. These fusion energy systems utilize compact high field magnet technology made possible by recent strides in commercial production of high temperature superconducting materials. The operating conditions and manufacturing processes of high field fusion magnets subject the HTS to extreme environments including high magnetic fields, neutron fluxes produced by deuterium-tritium fusion, high heat loads, and high mechanical loads.  Therefore the successful design and operation of fusion magnets requires detailed knowledge and characterization of the electromagnetic and materials properties of the HTS conductor at these extremes.

The HTS R&D engineer will interface with and support multiple stakeholders across CFS including manufacturing, engineering and design, supply chain, quality, and other R&D subdivisions. We are seeking an engineer with strong materials science and mechanical engineering fundamentals with previous experience with the characterization of high temperature superconductors for high field magnet applications.

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.

• HTS testing and analysis including
• ➢    Interfacing with the Quality and scientific software teams to improve efficiency of data processing and analysis of HTS measurement results
• ➢    Planning and prioritizing HTS testing for R&D
• ➢    Providing detailed instructions to HTS techs on how to prepare samples for HTS R&D tests, and for analyzing the data
• ➢    Travel to other facilities and performing R&D tests at ultra-high magnetic fields and cryogenic environments
• Interface with the HTS manufacturing and production team regularly and ensure that our processes are compliant with HTS and design requirements
• Design instrumentation setups and experiments for HTS characterization in the relevant conditions required for high field fusion magnets such as, but not limited to, heat treatment studies, radiation-induced effects, and the influence of strain on HTS performance
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and testing engineers and provide technical guidance relating to HTS
• Document and report on results of R&D experiments and communicate them to relevant stakeholders

• Master of Science or higher (Or Bachelors degree + equivalent of 5 years of experience in a lab or research setting  in one of the following or related fields: Physics; Mechanical, Electrical, or Nuclear Engineering; Materials Science
• 3+ years experience in testing Superconductor electromagnetic properties such as transport and magnetization measurements including the data processing and analysis of the results
• Design of Experiments and experimental setups and components
• Experience in communicating with a wide range of technical and non-technical audiences
• Experienced and comfortable working with cryogens such as Liquid Nitrogen and Liquid Helium
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of superconducting materials, particularly high temperature superconductors
• Proficiency with CAD software such as Siemens NX or equivalent
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Fundamental Materials Science knowledge
• Knowledge of electromagnetic fundamentals and their application to superconducting  materials
• Good communication skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to clearly express and critique ideas
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and rapidly execute tasks and experiments
• Strong time management skills
• Ability to collaborate across multiple teams and stakeholders

• Experience in measuring response of irradiation on HTS
• Experience working with high field magnets
• Experience in preparing and characterizing REBCO using optical and electron microscopy tools
• Experience working with vacuum and cryo-cooled systems
• Experience communicating with technical teams including vendors and suppliers
• 1+ years experience working in a production environment
• Experience processing and analyzing large quantities of data and applying statistics
• Experience programming instrumentation such as power supplies, nano voltmeters, and temperature controllers using LabView or equivalent software
• Computational modeling with COMSOL or ANSYS
• Proficiency with sample preparation and use of optical and electron microscopes
• Knowledge of fundamental statistical analysis

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Perform activities such as stooping, typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
• 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
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally

#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.