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Materials Engineer

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

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Somerville, MA, USA

Posted on Sunday, March 26, 2023

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 cross-functional materials team at CFS is looking for materials engineers in dual-focused roles to both (1) support the ongoing design, engineering, and delivery of the SPARC net energy tokamak being built in Devens, MA and (2) conduct longer term R&D projects aimed at de-risking the ARC fusion power plant design. Fusion energy systems pose unique materials challenges including neutron fluxes produced by deuterium-tritium fusion, high heat loads, molten salt coolant systems, complex component topologies, high magnetic fields, and high cryogenic mechanical loads. Materials selection and optimization must meet these demands while maintaining manufacturing and cost requirements. Materials engineers will interface with multiple stakeholders across CFS from test engineering, supply chain, component designers, and more. We are seeking engineers with domain expertise in one or more of the following areas:

● Processing and mechanical properties of metals and alloys

● Metallic and ceramic coatings

● Welding and joining (particularly dissimilar materials)

● Polymers and elastomers (and irradiation effects)

● Cryogenic properties of materials (structural, transport)

● Materials specifications and procurement support

This team member will:

Testing and qualification of materials and components for structural and functional applications within SPARC and ARC
Translate performance requirements into material property specifications and define appropriate test methods
Ensure efficient and timely transfer of property data and new insight to engineering design teams
Work closely with other CFS teams including:
Safety team to manage chemical/mechanical/environmental hazards in existing and New experimental facilities
Adjacent R&D teams to optimally share pooled resources including equipment and personnel
Supply chain team to procure new equipment and materials
Manufacturing team to ensure fabrication methods are scalable
Provide technical guidance to project team members to ensure efficient execution of design-build-test-learn cycles and retirement of technical risks

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

PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field or BS + 5 years experience
Experience coordinating/conducting materials R&D projects from conception to execution
Writing materials standards
Testing or measuring material properties
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
Great communication and organizational skills
Strong problem solving skills, ability to approach new problems with creativity
Resource estimation and projection
Strong time management skills
Self - motivation and autonomy

Additional preferred experience and/or qualifications:

Familiarity with nuclear and plasma effects on material properties and performance
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, and noise
Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
#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.