Materials Test Operator - Contract

Commonwealth Fusion Systems•Devens, MA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Materials Test Operator performs materials testing and characterization, communicates with internal stakeholders, reports detailed data, maintains equipment, supports production, and contributes to continuous improvement in the materials test and characterization laboratory. Laboratory equipment and methods include mechanical and electrochemical testing, metallographic specimen preparation, visible-light and electron microscopy, high-temperature heat treatments, static and dynamic mechanical testing across environments including cryogenic and high temperatures, magnetic property evaluation, and other thermophysical tests. The operator prepares test specimens and conducts experiments, executes materials test Jira tickets and QBench orders according to standard operating procedures, and conducts testing under the guidance of a materials test engineer. The role includes data management and reporting, equipment installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, and alignment. This is a contract position. The role is onsite, as indicated by the job posting’s #LI-Onsite designation.

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, including mechanical and electrical assembly, vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, soldering, and wiring.
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 and ability to approach new problems creatively.
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 type, stand, or sit for extended periods.
Dedication to safety and mitigating industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage, metallographic etchants, and cryogenics.
Willingness to travel or work required nights, weekends, or on-call occasionally.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Instron-based mechanical test systems, Bluehill, and Wavematrix software.
Experience testing to industry or international standards, such as ASTM D638, ASTM E8, or 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 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 mechanical testing, including tensile, compression, flexural, shear, peel, and fatigue testing using Instron Universal Testing Machines, as well as custom testing in extreme environments and across a range of temperatures.
Perform materials characterization, including metallographic sample preparation, 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 rigorous documentation, data integrity, and effective troubleshooting throughout the test lifecycle.
Perform repeated tests while maintaining test quality.
Perform other related duties as assigned by management.
Follow and promote CFS safety procedures and policies.
Travel or work nights, weekends, or on-call occasionally, as required.