Research Technician

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy.CFS is collaborating with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with new groundbreaking high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost. The mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. 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 execute this plan, we are 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 skill sets and experience that relate to this role.Our new class of high-field superconducting magnets 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 a Research Technician to our growing team in Milpitas, CA.This CFS Research Technician will report to the Head of Superconductor R&D and will be responsible for aspects of the construction, implementation, and development of advanced R&D equipment. This equipment presents a host of challenges including large, robust, and ergonomic high-vacuum chambers, components operating under extreme conditions such as high temperatures, large temperature gradients, complicated component manipulation, large pressure differentials, tight mechanical tolerances, and long run times.

This team member will:

• Work within a multi-disciplinary and proven team of top scientists and engineers
• Assist with the process development and experimental studies
• Operate laboratory tools and systems
• Perform materials characterization and data analysis
• Report on and be accountable for project progress to the Head of Superconductor R&D

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

• 5+ years of relevant experience with operation and maintenance of high vacuum systems, metrology, and materials characterization tools
• An exceptional safety record and attention to detail
• Thin-film deposition technologies
• Thin-film characterization tools and methodologies such as XRD, SEM, profilometry, etc.
• Data acquisition and analyses
• Fundamental vacuum pump operation, maintenance, and leak check, etc. is a plus
• Hands-on experience with machine shop tools. TIG welding experience is a plus
• Knowledge of DAQ for process/system control, data acquisition and analysis is preferred
• Ability to occasionally lift 50 lbs
• Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, standing, and sitting for extended periods of time
• Willingness to travel occasionally
• Willingness to work with appropriate PPE in the presence of hazards such as fumes and noise

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.