Materials 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 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.