Manager, Materials Mechanical Testing

Commonwealth Fusion Systems•Devens, MA

5d•$110,000 - $185,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Materials and Processing (M&P) Department at CFS supports design engineers, supply chain, and manufacturing by selecting materials, unambiguously defining materials and processing routes, validating and measuring those materials and their properties, and conducting R&D to develop new materials and processes to enable fusion power deployment. M&P at CFS is organized around three primary thrusts: engineering, test and characterization, and development programs. The work is undertaken in support of delivering SPARC, the net energy tokamak under construction in Devens, MA, and ultimately in designing the ARC fusion power plant. These devices 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 mechanical loading in cryogenic conditions. To support this mission, the CFS Materials Test and Characterization team in M&P is seeking a sub-team lead for the growing group. The manager of the materials mechanical testing team will mentor, coordinate, and grow a team of 2-5 materials test engineers in addition to serving as subject matter expert in mechanical testing of materials and structural testing of sub-components in CFS projects.

Requirements

BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field + 3-5 years experience with some technical lead responsibility
Experience with materials laboratory failure analysis
Experience conducting and understanding standard mechanical property testing
Experience conducting structural testing of assemblies and prototype components
Understanding of how materials properties impact performance
Design of experiments
Data analysis, interpretation, and visualization
Strong knowledge in CAD (NX, Solidworks, AutoCAD, etc.)
Knowledge of process-structure-property relationships in materials and relevant manufacturing processes
Experience with lab management / test scheduling
Experience delegating complex tasks to operating teams
Efficient and effective technical communication skills targeted at a variety of audiences
A strong drive for quality and attention to detail
Ability to communicate with a wide range of technical and non-technical audiences
Ability to clearly express and critique ideas
Ability to rapidly execute short turnaround engineering/R&D tasks
Strong problem solving skills, ability to approach new problems with creativity
Resource estimation and projection
Perform activities such as typing or sitting for extended periods of time
Work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, metallographic etchants and cryogenics
Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally

Nice To Haves

Understanding and experience testing materials in various environments including extreme temperature and high vacuum applications
Experience developing novel testing methods
Experience documenting processes
Experience with project management

Responsibilities

Mentor, coordinate, and line manage a small team of materials test engineers that conduct evaluation, testing and qualification of materials and components for structural and functional applications for CFS projects
Maintain and grow CFS cultural values of integrity, self-critique, impact, and execution while supporting and growing team members
Serve as a subject matter expert and individual contributor in one or more of the following areas: â¢ Mechanical testing of materials â¢ Test design and development â¢ Structural testing â¢ Mechanical design for test fixture development
Create educational resources, guidance documentation, and process flows for the team and broader department audience
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
Represent CFS Materials Test & Characterization in TRRs, design and manufacturing reviews
Report on team activities and successes
Ensure efficient and timely transfer of test data and new insights to engineering design teams
Promote a safety-oriented work culture and comply with all CFS guidelines and policies
Work closely with other CFS teams including: â¢ Safety team to manage chemical/mechanical/environmental hazards in existing and new tests being developed â¢ Adjacent R&D teams to optimally share pooled resources including equipment and personnel â¢ Supply chain team to procure new equipment and materials