R&D Algorithm and Digital Signal Processing Engineer

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.
This individual will lead the development of signal processing and control algorithms to ensure safe and reliable operation of superconducting magnet systems used in SPARC, the first net-energy fusion device.  This position requires a strong skillset to design algorithms to detect signal changes within a noisy environment.  The signal data will come from both experimental and simulated data.  This individual will work and collaborate on a world-class interdisciplinary team.  Software engineers will provide simulated noise signal data, and test engineers will provide experimental data to validate the robustness of the algorithms. Additionally, this individual will work closely with an instrumentation and controls engineer to design the hardware and firmware to implement real-time signal detection algorithms that will run on the operating magnets.
This work is conducted within a multi-disciplinary team of physicists and engineers as part of collaborative sponsored research projects at the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center and within CFS. Having active participation and clear, concise communication in design and test activities is necessary to inform design decisions. 

This team member will:

• Develop digital processing algorithms to find signal changes within noisy baseline signal
• Work with test engineers to develop experiments to validate algorithm 
• Work with software engineers to develop simulated signals for testing algorithm robustness
• Develop performance engineering and robustness testing of algorithm
• Ability to adapt and quickly develop prototypes for iterating and evolving systems 
• Prepare reports and presentations as necessary

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

• A Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering or another relevant field with a signal processing or controls background (physics, mechanical engineering, etc.)
• 3+ years of experience developing digital signal processing algorithms
• Expertise in fundamental digital processing algorithms (including filtering, noise cancellation, and cross correlation)
• Experience with real-time and deterministic algorithms
• Ability to create simulations of large data sets to test real-time algorithms
• An understanding of how to analyze the time vs. complexity trade-offs of algorithms
• Strong data analysis background
• Can quickly read a white paper and develop an algorithm from it

Additional experience and/or qualifications:

• A Master’s Degree in electrical engineering or another relevant field with a signal processing or controls background (physics, mechanical engineering, etc.)
• Experience with embedded systems programming (i.e. ability to write embedded firmware)
• Ability to interact with vendor hardware
• Experience with opto-electronics
• Knowledge of probabilistic estimation (ideal, but not required)
• Strong knowledge of calculus, probability, and statistics
• An ability to clearly express and critique ideas
• Ability to innovate towards solutions to complex problems
• An emphasis on elegance and simplicity over complexity
• A drive towards commercially viable solutions
• A history of thriving in fast-paced, dynamic environments
• Values that align with our company’s values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique
• Perform activities such as sitting for extended periods of time

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.