R&D Engineer II

Commonwealth Fusion Systems•Devens, MA

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) is dedicated to accelerating the transition to fusion energy by developing commercially viable fusion power plants. We are combining extensive research, skilled professionals, and innovative technologies to achieve this goal. Since 2018, CFS has secured nearly $3 billion in funding, establishing itself as the leading private fusion company globally. We are seeking individuals who bring new perspectives, excel at problem-solving, and thrive in a team environment to join our mission. The NINT Magnet R&D team focuses on testing and mitigating risks associated with CFS's NINT (non-insulated-non-twisted) HTS magnets. This involves executing development test campaigns for next-generation NINT magnet technology and leading Corrective Action/Root Cause Analysis (RCCA) efforts to address issues with SPARC NINT magnets, tokamak integration, and commissioning. The role is inherently multidisciplinary, requiring the engineer to work across various disciplines and teams to meet aggressive project schedules. A fundamental understanding of mechanical, electrical, materials, fluids, and systems engineering is essential. The R&D engineer is also expected to critically evaluate requirements, risks, and test objectives, facilitating consensus among stakeholders on the necessity and essential data for planned tests.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science field is required; mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or similar, or applied physics degree preferred.
3+ years’ experience as an R&D engineer or test engineer designing, building, commissioning complex electromechanical systems.
Experience with selecting and utilizing instrumentation and control components such as thermocouples, voltage and current sensors, oscilloscopes, pressure transducers, strain gauges, heaters, flow meters, fittings and valves.
Experience with developing and executing test procedures.
Proficiency with CAD design in Siemens NX or equivalent CAD software.
Familiarity with electromagnetic fundamentals - voltage, current, resistance, Ohm’s law, AC/DC, right-hand rule, solenoids, etc.
Excellent troubleshooting / problem-solving skills with great attention to detail.
Experience developing and effectively presenting comprehensive trade studies comparing the pros & cons of various technical approaches.
Data reduction and analysis skills that can be used in generating anticipated results and processing generated data.
Effective at communicating technical topics to both technical and non-technical audiences.
High self-motivation and drive to execute quickly.
Collaboration skills including active listening and facilitating production discourse on problems.
Willingness to challenge the status quo in search of better, more efficient methods.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
Perform activities such as typing, climbing, standing, stooping or sitting for extended periods of time.
Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call.
Work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics.

Nice To Haves

Experience with modeling/analysis software, especially ANSYS, COMSOL, and PLECS.
Experience writing Python or MATLAB data tools for processing and analyzing data.
Experience with high voltage and high current power equipment design and use – power supplies, water-cooled cables, insulation.
Experience debugging electronics hardware and test software.
Experience with designing and commissioning new test facilities.
Experience designing fluid systems – P&IDs, component selection, ASME design codes.
Experience with cryogenic equipment design for use with liquid nitrogen and supercritical helium – vacuum jacketed equipment, cryocoolers, phase separators, cold traps.
Experience with high vacuum equipment design and use – roughing pumps, turbopumps, ion gauges, residual gas analyzers.
Experience developing or improving manufacturing processes and handing off processes to production teams.

Responsibilities

Develop new HTS magnet designs and their associated subsystems, including designing and building R&D test samples, and developing their manufacturing processes and test operations.
Design, build, and commission test equipment required to accomplish R&D test campaign objectives.
Perform structural, electrical, and/or thermal analyses in support of R&D sample design and to predict test results.
Build expertise in testing HTS magnets as well as how to design and build R&D HTS magnets and their associated subsystems, including power delivery, cryogenic cooling, and structures.
Support the production, integration, and commissioning of SPARC NINT coils as issues requiring HTS magnet build and test expertise arise.
Understand, challenge, and maintain well documented requirements and risks for the system or component under test, and align stakeholders on why the planned test is required and what data is deemed essential for the desired outcome to be achieved.
Collaborate with I&C engineers to develop necessary instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
Maintain documentation, schedules, and budgets for test campaigns. Documentation includes: design reviews, wiring lists, P&IDs, schematics, CAD assemblies, drawings, BOMs, data acquisition systems, and operations software.
Develop custom tools to analyze generated data.
Compile test results in presentations for review.
Prepare and deliver presentations containing trade studies, design reviews, test readiness reviews, and test data reviews to teams of engineers and physicists.