Microwave Diagnostic Lead

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy.
CFS collaborates with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with groundbreaking new high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost. Our mission is to deploy these power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. To that end, 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 implement this plan, we are looking to add dedicated people to the team who treat people well, improve our work by adding multifaceted perspectives and new ways of solving problems, have achieved outstanding results through a range of pursuits, and have skills and experience related to this role.
CFS is looking to grow the SPARC Diagnostics team with a specialization on instruments that use microwaves to interpret tokamak plasmas.  Applications will include both real-time plasma control and improving scientific understanding of burning plasma physics.   Conceptual design of the microwave diagnostics has been completed and CFS is looking for candidates to lead more detailed system design and shepherd the microwave diagnostics through fabrication, assembly, calibration, commissioning and utilization.  For early operations, SPARC plans to field an electron cyclotron emission diagnostic for electron temperature profiles (100’s of GHz) and an edge scanning reflectometer for edge/pedestal density profiles (10’s of GHz).  Further enhancements are also envisioned over SPARC’s operational life, including turbulence measurements that leverage techniques demonstrated on existing tokamaks.  Candidates will work as part of an integrated diagnostic and operations team that includes MIT-PSFC partners and fusion community collaborators from around the world.   Prior experience working on tokamak or fusion plasma diagnostics is not required, and CFS encourages applications from people looking for a career transition who work in related technology areas with relevant microwave instrumentation experience (defense, aerospace, astrophysics, etc.).

This team member will:

• Complete the design of the SPARC microwave diagnostics, working with a team of scientists, designers, analysts and engineers
• Integrate technical input from experts in the wider SPARC team to ensure microwave diagnostics can support SPARC operational and scientific mission goals
• Work with the SPARC procurement team and external suppliers to source microwave diagnostic components and sub-assemblies in a way that constrains cost
• Plan and oversee the assembly, installation, calibration and commissioning for the SPARC microwave diagnostics to ensure first plasma is achieved on-schedule while also not limiting when D-T operation can occur
• Work with the SPARC tokamak operations team to integrate the diagnostics into the plant-level and real-time plasma control systems
• Participate in the calibration and utilization of the microwave diagnostics that balances learning how to operate SPARC with obtaining physics results as quickly as possible
• Contribute to strong safety culture, working on instrumentation in a shared diagnostic laboratory space adjacent to the SPARC Tokamak Hall
• Provide expertise that helps CFS build a core competency in microwave measurements during burning plasmas that can help deliver future fusion devices optimized for power production
•  May supervise work completed by CFS designers and analysts as well as provide feedback to collaborators providing input to SPARC diagnostic designs

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

• At least a Masters in physics, engineering physics or related field + relevant experience
• Participated in the design of a new or upgraded instrument package that uses microwaves in the 10’s or 100’s of GHz range
• Familiarity with microwave sources and commercial-of-the-shelf components at the relevant frequency range
• Demonstrated record of utilizing data from microwave instruments to accomplish research goals or achieve mission objectives
• Attention to detail with an ability to pivot between topics multiple times per day
• Ability to understand and manage interface issues that bridge complex engineering and physics topics

Additional experience and/or qualifications:

• Participated in the design or utilization of an electron cyclotron emission system or reflectometry system on a magnetically confined plasma (does not need to be a tokamak)
• A formal or informal role in managing activities in a laboratory-type setting with hazards typical of microwave diagnostics
• Familiarity with modeling and simulations tools to inform microwave instrument design
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Perform activities such as typing, standing, sitting for extended periods of time
• Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include heat, cold, fumes, strong magnets, Class IV lasers, and vacuum/pressure
• Willing to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call
• #LI-Hybrid

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.