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Breakthrough Energy Ventures Portfolio Company Career Opportunities

Senior Thermal Fluids Engineer/Analyst

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

IT
Devens, MA, USA
Posted on Sep 14, 2024
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.
The role of a Senior Thermal Fluids Engineer is to drive R&D risk reduction efforts for CFS’s HTS magnets, from magnet design to validation and manufacturing. The engineer should have strong fundamentals in heat transfer and fluid mechanics, and be able to utilize both quick engineering calculations and in-depth computational tools to support analyses and recommendations. Hands on experience is also desired, as the engineer will design thermal-fluids hardware that interface with other systems. Teamwork is also important for this role. The engineer must be able to communicate to broad stakeholders, work with cross-functional teams, and navigate the strategic impacts of their work. The engineer is expected to be a subject matter expert in teams they are supporting, and should provide leadership in defining their work scope.

This team member will:

  • Lead development of thermal-fluid systems, including analysis, design, review, procurement, and commissioning
  • Analyze thermal-fluid systems using the appropriate level of complexity, from hand calculations to FEA modeling. Draw engineering recommendations from analysis
  • Develop well-rounded hardware solutions for thermal fluids challenges
  • Contribute to test plans identifying the test objectives, key data needed, and the instrumentation necessary to obtain this data
  • Maintain documentation, including: design reviews, P&IDs, schematics, CAD assemblies and drawings
  • Communicate to broad stakeholders about test results, analysis recommendations, project statuses, etc

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

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field is required
  • 5+ years experience engineering thermal fluids systems
  • 2+ years performing thermal, structural and fluids analyses ranging from hand calculations to FEA and CFD if necessary (Ansys or Comsol preferred)
  • 2+ years CAD experience (NX preferred), drafting and fluid schematic design experience
  • 1+ years experience designing custom parts or assemblies for fabrication.
  • 2+ years experience with selecting and utilizing fluid system components such as thermocouples, pressure transducers, heaters, flow meters, process valves, solenoid valves, relief valves, regulators and filters
  • Conducting trade studies to determine technical approaches to a project
  • Data post-processing skills that can interpret results and sources of error
  • Self-motivated and can take ownership of projects
  • A positive and collaborative attitude, and an eagerness to learn
  • Innovative spirit and ability to question existing assumptions and requirements
  • An emphasis on elegance and simplicity over complexity
  • Networking and collaboration skills to work with stakeholders with different perspectives and interests, and get help from necessary experts elsewhere in the organization
  • Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/overtime

Additional preferred experience and/or qualifications:

  • Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • Familiarity with model reduction and mesh optimization for model efficiency
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic fundamentals – voltage, current, resistance, Ohm’s Law, AC/DC, right-hand rule, solenoids, etc.
  • Familiarity with structural analysis, or other multi-physics regimes.
  • Can communicate technical topics tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Troubleshooting/problem-solving skills with great attention to detail
  • The ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments
  • A drive toward commercially viable solutions, and ability to navigate make vs buy decisions
  • Values that align with our company’s values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique
  • Work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics
  • Ability to improve efficiency and throughput of processes
  • #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.