R&D 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 we're working with policymakers, suppliers, and many others to build the energy industry of the future.
We’re in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we’ve raised $4 billion of capital, making us the largest and leading 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.
If that’s you and this role fits, we want to hear from you.
Join the power movement as an R&D Test Engineer
The role of the R&D Test Engineer is to seamlessly flex between multiple disciplines and groups to effectively execute tests and projects on aggressive schedules supporting Commonwealth Fusion System’s mission. This engineer will be primarily responsible for testing and retiring risks for CFS’ HTS magnets and in particular, focus on the mechanical, electrical, and process design and construction of the test equipment and supporting subsystems. The ideal candidate will have a fundamental understanding of at least one of the following engineering disciplines: mechanical, electrical, or fluids. They will be responsible for the design, build, and commissioning of equipment in support of development, qualification and production test objectives. They will work collaboratively across manufacturing, R&D, procurement, and SPARC teams to achieve their test campaigns. It is also the role of the R&D Test Engineer to help the combined
stakeholders come to a consensus on why a test is required and what data is deemed essential for the outcome to be achieved.
What you'll do:
Own and retire technical risks by designing, analyzing, procuring, building, and commissioning test equipment utilizing your knowledge of physics, structures, instrumentation and controls, mechanical and electrical systems
Understand, challenge and maintain well-documented requirements and risks for the system or component under test
Develop test plans that effectively retire technical risks including defining appropriate instrumentation and controls necessary to obtain repeatable and reliable data
Identify and mitigate safety hazards associated with test equipment and test plans
Design safety into the system and produce safety documentation such as job hazard assessments
Prepare and lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) prior to executing testing to ensure all test activities are both required and safe
Design experiment campaigns that match our fast pace and work hard to maintain the proposed schedule
Troubleshoot and resolve integration and test discrepancies during build, commissioning and operation
Iterate on designs, equipment and operations for repeat tests to improve test efficiency
Create analytical models based on first principles to predict test results
Compile test results clearly for review and effectively communicate technical topics to both technical and non technical audiences
What we're looking for:
Bachelor's degree in engineering or science field is required; mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or similar applied physics degree
5+ years experience designing/building/commissioning specialized test or industrial equipment with hands on experience and a proven ability to deliver reliable data (A Master’s degree with similar experience may be substituted)
1+ years using CAD software to design electromechanical assemblies
Proven understanding of mechanical loading, failure modes, and material strength including fasteners design and bolted joints
An understanding of how mechanical engineering fundamentals support complex design maturation including but not limited to tolerancing, GD&T, form/fit/function, material selection, DFM, and DFA
A solid grasp of electromagnetic fundamentals – voltage, current, resistance, Ohm’s Law, AC/DC, right-hand rule, solenoids, etc.
Proven troubleshooting/problem-solving skills with an ability to innovate creative solutions to challenging problems
Proven collaboration skills including active listening and facilitating a productive discourse on problems
Exceptional communication skills through both written and verbal methods
High self-motivation and drive to execute quickly. A can-do attitude and an eagerness to learn
Bonus points for:
Experience with structural FEA software, especially ANSYS and COMSOL, bolt loading calculations, and failure criteria
Experience using NX and Teamcenter
Experience with high field magnet testing traditional or superconducting
Experience with weld design / stress analysis
Experience with commissioning new test facilities
Experience with designing fluid systems – P&IDs, component selection, ASME design codes.
Experience with developing and executing complex test procedures, in particular tests that include multiple skill sets, different testing phases, and 3rd parties
Familiarity with superconducting magnets (Lorentz loads, magnet design, conductor design)
Experience with cryogenic equipment design and use for liquid nitrogen and supercritical helium use – vacuum jacketed equipment, cryocoolers, phase separators, cold traps
Experience with high vacuum equipment design and use – roughing pumps, turbopumps, ion gauges, residual gas analyzers
Experience with high voltage and high current power equipment design and use – power supplies, water cooled cables, insulation
Must-have requirements:
Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, typing, standing, 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
Ability to work in industrial or loud environments, with proper PPE
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.
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.