Materials Test Operator - Contract

Commonwealth Fusion Systems•Devens, MA

9d•$35 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is hiring a Contract Materials Test Operator to perform materials testing and characterization, communicate with internal stakeholders, report data, maintain equipment, support production, and contribute to continuous improvement. The laboratory uses a range of current and future equipment, including mechanical and electrochemical tools; metallographic specimen preparation equipment; visible-light and electron microscopes; high-temperature heat-treatment equipment; static and dynamic mechanical testing systems for environments ranging from cryogenic to high temperature; magnetic-property evaluation equipment; and other thermophysical test equipment. The operator prepares specimens and performs laboratory experiments, executes materials-test Jira tickets and QBench orders according to standard operating procedures, and independently conducts testing with input from a materials test engineer. Testing includes destructive mechanical methods and materials characterization. The role also involves test data management and reporting, inventory support, and installing, maintaining, calibrating, aligning, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment. The operator is expected to maintain rigorous documentation and data integrity, work across varied assignments, adapt to changing laboratory priorities, and uphold safety procedures. This is a contract position paying $35–$45 per hour. The role is onsite and may occasionally require travel, nights, weekends, or on-call work. It requires occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds and extended periods of typing, standing, or sitting. The work may involve industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage, metallographic etchants, and cryogenics.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency certificate, or higher.
At least 2 years of experience with basic materials-preparation and testing tools.
At least 2 years of experience with technical support skills such as mechanical and electrical assembly, vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, soldering, and wiring.
Willingness to work in a fast-paced R&D environment with daily changes.
Meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively on a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, technical staff, and others.
Ability to rapidly execute short-turnaround materials-testing tasks.
Strong problem-solving skills and creativity when approaching new problems.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Effective root-cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
Proficient PC skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Ability to comply with, interpret, and support procedures, work rules, and protocols.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods.
Dedication to safety in work involving potential industrial hazards, including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage, metallographic etchants, and cryogenics.
Willingness to travel or occasionally work nights, weekends, or on call.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Instron-based mechanical test systems and Bluehill or Wavematrix software.
Experience testing to industry or international standards such as ASTM D638, ASTM E8, or ISO standards.
Experience working with cryogens such as liquid nitrogen and liquid helium.
Experience with strain-gage application.
Experience using electrical test devices.
Experience with metallographic sample preparation and analysis.
Experience with hazardous chemical use and management.
Experience with vacuum systems.
Experience operating shop equipment such as horizontal band saws, drill presses, and grinders or sanders.
Ability to follow engineering procedures and instructions.
Understanding of materials-testing and characterization equipment operations and processes.

Responsibilities

Prepare test specimens and perform laboratory experiments.
Contribute to continuous improvement in the materials test and characterization laboratory.
Support inventory management for consumables and spare parts, and report purchasing needs.
Execute materials-test Jira tickets and QBench orders in accordance with standard operating procedures.
Operate industry-standard and customized materials-testing and characterization equipment, processes, and test methods.
Conduct materials testing independently with input from a materials test engineer, including data management and reporting.
Perform destructive mechanical testing, including tensile, compression, flexural, shear, peel, and fatigue testing, using Instron Universal Testing Machines and other custom equipment in extreme environments and across a range of temperatures.
Perform materials characterization, including metallographic sample preparation (cutting, grinding, and polishing), microscopy, hardness testing, and magnetic and electrical testing.
Support installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, including calibration and alignment.
Work on multiple assignments and adapt to changes in laboratory operations, priorities, and schedules.
Maintain detailed documentation and data integrity, and support effective troubleshooting throughout the test lifecycle.
Perform repeated tests while maintaining test quality.
Follow and promote CFS safety procedures and policies.
Perform other related duties as assigned by management.