Mechanical Engineer - Fueling Systems

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) is the surest path to limitless, clean fusion energy. Our mission is to enable world-wide clean energy for everyone, creating a sustainable environment for current and future generations. We have created a credible path to an operating fusion power plant in 15 years which leverages our novel collaboration with MIT and funding from strategic and financial investors who share our vision. This begins by developing a new class of high-field superconducting magnets that will enable the SPARC tokamak to demonstrate net energy from fusion for the first time. To execute this plan, we are now looking to add talented people to the team who are mission-driven and treat people well, improve our team by adding diverse perspectives and new ways of solving problems, have demonstrated exceptional results through a range of different pursuits, and have skillsets and experience that relate to this role.The mechanical engineer for the SPARC fueling systems will work closely with the system responsible engineer and technical leads to design and develop 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 fueling systems 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, cutting edge valve/nozzle technologies, 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
• Create testing methods and coordinate in-house testing or supplier testing of components 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 and documentation for 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 building 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 and designing to requirements
• Experience writing operating procedures, compiling data, and presenting results in written and oral communications
• Design of systems in harsh environments (preferred)
• MATLAB or Python programming (preferred)
• CAD tools (NX suite) (preferred)
• Use of engineering management tools (preferred)
• Confluence/JIRA and remote collaboration tools (preferred)
• Experience developing automated testing platforms (preferred)
• System integration with industrial controllers (PLC) (preferred)

Additional experience and/or qualifications:

• Data acquisition and test stand automation
• Design and implementation of feedback controllers
• High-vacuum systems
• High-pressure gas delivery systems
• Analytical instrumentation
• Process engineering and systems integration
• Interface management
• Change control
• Ability to do activities such as typing, standing, sitting for extended periods of time
• Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, hazardous gas and radiological hazards

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.