Materials Test Operator

Commonwealth Fusion Systems•Devens, MA

5d•$30 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

The Materials Department at CFS is looking for a materials test operator to support our mechanical testing and characterization laboratory. Materials at CFS supports the design and engineering of all components needed for fusion systems and high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets. Working closely with the team lead, the materials test operator provides continuous support for both industry-standard and customized mechanical testing—including tensile, compression, flexural, shear, and fatigue. This role balances rigorous mechanical data acquisition and equipment operation with essential metallographic specimen preparation and microscopy. The operator is responsible for communication with internal stakeholders, detailed data reporting, equipment maintenance, and production line support. Laboratory capabilities include, but are not limited to: mechanical testing (Universal Testing Machines such as Instron, Load Cells, Extensometers), metallographic specimen polishing and preparation, microscopy, heat treatments, magnetic property evaluation, and other thermophysical tests.

Requirements

High school diploma/equivalency certificate or higher
Minimum 2 years experience with with basic materials prep and testing tools
Minimum 2 years experience with a variety of technical support skills including but not limited to mechanical and electrical assembly, vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, soldering, and wiring
Participate in and promote CFS’ safety procedures and policies
Desire to work in a fast-paced R&D environment with daily changes
Meticulous attention to detail
Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, technical staff and others
Ability to rapidly execute short turnaround materials testing tasks
Strong problem solving skills, ability to approach new problems with creativity
Strong written and oral communications skills & techniques.
Effective root cause analysis and problem-solving skills
Proficient PC skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Ability to comply, interpret and support procedures, work rules, and protocols
Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
Perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, metallographic Etchants and cryogenics
Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally

Nice To Haves

Experience with Instron-based mechanical test systems, Bluehill and Wavematrix software is a plus
Testing to industry or international standards (e.g. ASTM D638, ASTM E8, ISO)
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 preparationand analysis
Experience with hazardous chemical use and management
Experience with vacuum systems
Experience operating shop equipment including horizontal band saws, drill presses, grinders/sanders, etc
Ability to follow engineering procedures andinstructions
Understands materials testing and characterization equipment operations and processes.

Responsibilities

Prepare test specimens and performs laboratory experiments
Continuous improvement in the materials test and characterization laboratory
Support inventory management on consumable/spare parts and report up for purchasing
Execution of materials test Jira tickets and QBench orders in accordance with the standard operating procedures
Operating industry standard and customized materials testing and characterization equipment, processes, and test methods
Conducting materials testing independently under the input from a materials test engineer including data management and reporting
Mechanical testing includes destructive testing (Tensile, Compression, Flexural, Shear, Peel, and Fatigue) using Instron Universal Testing Machines, and other custom testing in extreme environments over a range of temperatures
Utilizing instrumentation including Load Cells, Torque Wrenches, Extensometers, Strain Gauges, Calipers, and Micrometers to ensure accurate data acquisition
Materials characterization includes metallographic sample preparation (cutting, grinding, polishing), microscopy, hardness testing, magnetic and electrical testing
Support in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment, including equipment calibration and alignment for effective usage
Assembling custom fixturing and test stands to meet unique R&D requirements.
Ability and desire to work on multiple, different assignments
Flexibility to adapt to changes in lab operations, priorities, and schedules
Maintain rigorous documentation with attention to detail, ensuring data integrity and effective troubleshooting throughout the test lifecycle
Comfortable with performing repeated tests while still maintaining test quality
Perform other related job duties as assigned by management