Mechanical Test Engineer

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy.

CFS collaborates with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with groundbreaking new high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost. Our mission is to deploy these power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. To that end, CFS has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by the world’s leading investors, CFS is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. To implement this plan, we are looking to add dedicated people to the team who treat people well, improve our work by adding multifaceted perspectives and new ways of solving problems, have achieved outstanding results through a range of pursuits, and have skills and experience related to this role.

The mechanical test engineer for the SPARC fueling systems will work closely with the system responsible engineer and technical leads to design and develop several key systems that support SPARC gas handling systems. This includes gas valves and injection systems, delivering the fuel for SPARC from pressurized gas cylinders into the vacuum atmosphere of the tokamak. These systems are designed for inert and hydrogen gas applications, fast response times, operating in rough to high vacuum, with high leak-tightness. This role will involve design work, systems integration, and hands-on build/test activities. The test engineer will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of engineers, builders, scientists, vendors, and supply integration managers, and report to the Fueling and Tritium System Responsible Officer. We are looking for applicants who enjoy working with a variety of teams in a fast-paced environment to help us deliver fusion on climate-relevant time scales.
 
Applicants with hands-on experience with gas handling and vacuum systems and a track record of delivering deployable technologies are preferred. Applicants with experience in hands-on prototyping of gas transport systems, leading teams to build and test prototypes, designing systems for harsh environments, and deploying end-to-end mechanical systems are also encouraged to apply.

This team member will:

- Design and specify components and test systems for use within the SPARC fueling system including but not limited to valves, gas metering and mixing systems, and instrumentation
- Execute verification plans, create testing methods and coordinate in-house testing or supplier testing of components / subsystems to meet SPARC requirements
- Develop process diagrams and component layouts for fueling subsystems that are communicated through standard engineering documents and integrated with tokamak and tokamak interfacing systems
- Lead the design, test, and tuning of control loops for piezoelectric valves coordinated with the SPARC instrumentation and controls team
- Support the fueling system technical leads in completion of design documentation, analyses, and test reports for formal engineering design reviews
- Coordinate engineering system development with contractors and integrate systems in house for SPARC operations

The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of these requirements:

- Bachelor’s degree or similar experience in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, applied physics
- +3 years experience with hands-on hardware testing, preferably gas handling or vacuum systems 
- End-to-end experience of design to operation of a mechanical system 
- Laboratory experience handling hazardous materials
- Experience writing requirements, designing to requirements, and verifying final hardware or system
- Experience writing operating procedures, compiling data, and presenting results in written and oral communications
- Data acquisition and test stand automation
- Design and implementation of feedback controllers
- Industrial Equipment (compressors, chillers, air filters, pumps, etc…)
- High-vacuum systems
- High-pressure gas delivery systems
- Analytical instrumentation
- Process engineering and systems integration
- Interface management
- Change control

Additional experience and/or qualifications:

- Design of systems in harsh environments
- Magnetic field testing experience / helmholtz coil knowledge
- MATLAB or Python programming
- CAD tools (NX suite)
- Use of engineering management tools
- Confluence/JIRA and remote collaboration tools
- Experience developing automated testing platforms
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Perform activities such as sitting, standing, or typing 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
- Willing to travel occasionally or work required nights/weekends/on-call
- #LI-Onsite
CFS team members thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have demonstrated exceptional results through a range of different pursuits. We all tightly align with our company values of integrity, execution, impact and self-critique. As we grow, we are looking to add talented people who are mission driven and bring diverse perspectives and new ways of solving problems.

At CFS, we deeply value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis 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, ordinance, or regulation.