Intern - R&D Test Engineer - Spring or Summer 2027

Commonwealth Fusion Systems•Somerville, MA

10d•$25 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is hiring R&D Test Engineering Interns for spring or summer 2027. Interns will take on meaningful, challenging work supporting research and development of novel high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. Specific assignments and technical skills vary depending on team needs. Opportunities are available to currently enrolled college students at all levels from bachelor's through PhD. The internship lasts 13–26 weeks and is 40–50 hours per week, with an hourly rate based on year in school. On-site opportunities are available in Devens, Massachusetts; interns working on site are responsible for their own transportation and housing. Interns must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. The role may involve designing and building R&D samples and manufacturing processes, conducting tests, commissioning test equipment, collaborating on instrumentation and data acquisition, performing structural, electrical, or thermal analyses, and maintaining technical project documentation. Interns may also prepare technical updates for managers and cross-functional teams. The position requires a commitment to safety in an industrial environment that may involve heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage, and cryogenics. Occasional travel or work at night, on weekends, or on call may be required. The position pays $25–$38 per hour depending on school level: $25–$32 for bachelor's interns and $35–$38 for master's/PhD interns. Benefits listed for full-time interns include 40 hours of sick time, health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with employer matching (enrollment requires age 21 or older), professional growth opportunities, and team-building activities.

Requirements

Currently pursuing an engineering degree with a focus in Mechanical Engineering.
Prior hands-on hardware experience through an internship, Formula SAE, Rocket Club, a machine shop, or equivalent.
Demonstrated exceptional results through a range of pursuits.
High self-motivation and drive to execute quickly, with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication and teamwork skills, including willingness to ask for help and ability to communicate with technical and less-technical colleagues.
Willingness to travel or occasionally work nights, weekends, or on call.
Ability to perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods.
Dedication to safety when working around potential industrial hazards, including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage, and cryogenics.
Authorization to work in the United States for any employer.

Responsibilities

Design and build R&D samples and develop associated manufacturing processes.
Execute test operations supporting risk-mitigation development campaigns for novel HTS magnet technology.
Design, build, and commission test equipment.
Collaborate with instrumentation and controls engineers to develop sensors and data acquisition as needed.
Perform structural, electrical, and/or thermal analyses to support R&D sample design and predict test results.
Create and manage design, process, and test documentation, schedules, budgets, bills of materials, and instrumentation indexes.
Deliver technical update presentations to managers and cross-functional technical teams as needed.