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 Test Engineer to support the ongoing design, engineering, and delivery of the SPARC net energy tokamak being built in Devens, MA and 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. 

We are seeking an experienced HTS R&D test engineer who will be responsible for owning a superconducting magnet system used for the electromagnetic characterization of HTS and other magnet materials. The HTS R&D test engineer will conduct HTS characterization studies that expand knowledge of HTS in fusion and application magnets. They will interface with and support multiple stakeholders across CFS including manufacturing, engineering and design, supply chain, quality, and other Materials and R&D subdivisions. 

• Responsible for the 5T Supercurrent magnet system used for the electromagnetic characterization of HTS and other magnet materials which includes but is not limited to:
• * Ongoing maintenance including ordering of compressed He and maintaining measurement equipment such as probes and instrumentation
• * Scoping and development of improved measurement capabilities of the existing system
• Prioritizing and scheduling of HTS R&D and materials tests including
• * Coordinating and interfacing with the Materials Test team 
• * Training materials test operators to run tests and providing support 
• Designing and conducting R&D studies on HTS such as, but not limited to, heat treatment studies, mechanical strain, and Ic correlation studies. This requires
• * HTS testing and data processing and analysis
• * Careful documentation of test procedures and sample tracking
• * Communicating results to the HTS R&D team and relevant stakeholders via written reports and presentations, and occasionally at conferences
• * Design and/or modify instrumentation setups and fixturing required to conduct these tests
• * Travel to other facilities and perform R&D tests at ultra-high magnetic fields and cryogenic environments
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and testing engineers across teams and provide technical guidance relating to HTS 

• Bachelors degree + equivalent of 3 years of experience in an industry 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 
• Experience working with vacuum and cryo-cooled systems
• Experienced and comfortable working with cryogens and compressed gasses such as Liquid Nitrogen and Helium gas
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of superconducting materials, particularly high temperature superconductors
• 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 working with high field magnets
• Experience in preparing and characterizing REBCO using optical and electron microscopy tools
• 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 programming language
• Proficiency with CAD software such as Siemens NX or equivalent
• 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 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.