Senior Scientific Software Engineer – Magnet Protection Systems - job 1 of 2

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 Senior Scientific Software Engineer

The Scientific Software team at CFS develops software that helps us understand and build superconducting magnets and tokamaks. The primary project for this role will be developing software for a fiber optic quench detection system. A quench is an event where a superconducting magnet goes into thermal runaway, and SPARC will incorporate a system using fiber optic cables to detect and mitigate these events. We seek an experienced software engineer (Senior to Principal level) to help develop an algorithm for detecting quenches based on the data received by the fiber optic system.

One of the tools used to develop the algorithm is a fiber model written in Python that simulates the expected signals during a quench and nominal operations. The engineer will also help increase the accuracy and performance of the simulation. The development of the fiber model and the quench detection algorithm are informed by experiments, ranging from bench top tests to full sized magnets. The engineer will be responsible for analyzing experimental data from these tests to validate the fiber model and test and develop the quench detection algorithm.

• Rapidly learn and improve complex physics-based models and simulations from first principles optics and physics
• Enhance quench detection algorithm performance (i.e. reduce quench detection false positive and false negative rates), by applying image and signal processing techniques to time-series spectral data
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including the physics, production, and SPARC Software (real-time controls) teams, to identify and execute on key data and algorithm needs
• Clearly communicate technical results and project progress
• Develop, implement, and maintain CI/CD pipelines to streamline development processes, ensure code reliability, and reduce operational overhead

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field preferred
• Programming language: Python, including type hinting and object-oriented features.
• Basic understanding of numerical methods, linear algebra, and differential equations.
• Understand the basics of the project’s physics aspects (e.g., undergrad-level electromagnetics and optics)
• Data analysis using pandas, numpy, matplotlib, or other similar Python packages
• Experience with at least one of the following: signal processing, machine learning, and data analytic tools

• Programming languages: C++, Rust, or experience with low-level performance and memory management
• Concurrency and parallelization
• Demonstrated experience building a simulation framework that uses physics-based modeling

• Perform activities such as typing or 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 or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally

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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.