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Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS)
Materials Test Engineer
9 months ago
About the Job
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 Materials Test Engineer
The Materials Test and Characterization Group at CFS is looking for a Materials Test Engineer to support the ongoing design, engineering, and delivery of the SPARC net energy tokamak being built in Devens, MA. Fusion energy systems require high performance materials in extreme environments. The material properties and failure modes must be tested in similar extremes to validate they will be able to meet the strict requirements. Materials test engineers will interface with multiple stakeholders across CFS including design engineering, supply chain, electromagnetic analysts, and more. We are seeking engineers with strong mechanical engineering fundamentals and hands-on mechanical testing experience. Knowledge on designing tests to assess performance of materials at cryogenic temperatures is preferred.
What you'll do:
Evaluate, test and qualify materials and components for structural and functional applications within SPARC and ARC
Design and develop test fixtures for mechanical testing of materials and components using CAD
Design and develop test methods on mechanical test frames to conduct each unique test
Provide technical guidance to project team members to ensure efficient execution of design-build-test-learn cycles and retirement of technical risks by translating performance requirements into material property specifications
Ensure efficient and timely transfer of property data and new insight to engineering design teams
Work closely with other CFS teams including:
o Safety team to manage chemical/mechanical/environmental hazards in existing and New experimental facilities
o Adjacent R&D teams to optimally share pooled resources including equipment and personnel
o Supply chain team to procure new equipment and materials
o Execute test validation and analysis for data generated by materials test operators
What we’re looking for:
BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field
1-5 years of relevant experience
Testing for mechanical properties of materials and prototype components
Understanding mechanical testing at various environments including extreme temperatures
Design of experiments
Data analysis, interpretation, and visualization
Strong knowledge in CAD (NX, Solidworks, AutoCAD, etc.)
Short and medium term (2 months - 1 year) project management experience
Familiarity with materials mechanical testing concepts including: Stress, Strain, Yield, Shear, Fatigue, Fracture Toughness, Bending Moment, Hardness etc.
Familiar with a variety of materials and process engineering disciplines including metals, composites, adhesives, failure analysis, and manufacturing operations
Participate in and promote CFS’ safety procedures and policies
Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, technical staff and others
Ability to clearly express and critique ideas
Ability to rapidly execute short turnaround engineering / R&D tasks
Ability to communicate with a wide range of technical and non-technical audiences
Strong problem solving skills, ability to approach new problems with creativity
Resource estimation and projection
Strong time management skills
Self - motivation and autonomy
Bonus points for:
Testing to industry or international standards
Experience writing standard operating procedures for technical tasks
Experience operating mechanical load frames for mechanical testing
Experience using electrical test devices
Experience with mechanical testing in vacuum environments
Prior hands-on involvement in engineering student clubs (i.e. Formula SAE or Baja SAE) and/or practical internships related to materials mechanical testing
Experience with data acquisition from sensors and transducers
Experience with lab management / test scheduling
Experience delegating complex tasks to operating teams
Must-have Requirements:
Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
Extended activities such as typing, standing, and sitting
Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, metallographic etchants 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.
About the Company

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS)
The world needs a fundamentally new source of clean energy to meet our growing energy demands and combat climate change. Scientists have been studying fusion for decades and have made significant progress, but have yet to achieve its potential as a commercial power source. However, its promise has continued to drive interest with the understanding that successfully deployed fusion power would transform the world’s energy landscape.
Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) was spun out of MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center to leverage the decades of fusion research combined with the innovation and speed of the private sector. Supported by the world’s leading investors in breakthrough energy technologies, the CFS team is uniquely positioned to deliver the fastest path to commercial fusion energy. CFS has assembled a world-class team to design and build fusion machines. This team includes experts in magnets, manufacturing, and plasma physics dedicated to the mission of delivering clean, limitless fusion power to the world.