Senior Electrical Engineer

Commonwealth Fusion Systems•Milpitas, CA

1d•$146,000 - $210,000•Onsite

About The Position

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to serve as the lead electrical hardware authority for next-generation R&D and processing equipment. The role owns end-to-end electrical design for complex machinery, with emphasis on 480VAC power distribution, electrical safety, signal integrity, sensor instrumentation, and control-panel architecture. It bridges high-power electrical infrastructure and machine-level controls, working with software and mechanical teams to bring first-of-a-kind hardware to life. The engineer designs electrical platforms and safety systems, produces schematic packages, integrates instrumentation, addresses EMI/EMC issues, and leads hands-on commissioning and I/O checkout. The role also supports controls engineers with industrial fieldbus and PLC troubleshooting, directs outside panel shops and contractors, and leads Factory Acceptance Testing. Work may involve industrial hazards and occasionally required travel, nights, weekends, or on-call duties.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Mechatronics Engineering.
At least 8 years of dedicated electrical engineering experience designing power distribution, electrical cabinets, and hardware architectures for complex industrial or R&D capital equipment.
Expert proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical for schematic generation, panel layouts, terminal-block design, and wire-harness documentation.
Deep understanding of 480VAC three-phase systems, transformer sizing, short-circuit current ratings (SCCR), arc-flash safety, and NFPA 79, NEC/NFPA 70, and UL 508A codes.
Demonstrated experience addressing EMI/EMC issues, noise coupling, and grounding challenges in complex electromechanical tools.
Working knowledge of PLC hardware architectures such as Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley, or Siemens; industrial fieldbuses such as EtherCAT or EtherNet/IP; and safety PLCs such as TwinSAFE.
High proficiency in hands-on hardware troubleshooting, field wiring, and electrical fault isolation on the machine floor.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally.
Ability to stoop, climb, stand, and sit for extended periods.
Dedication to safety around potential hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics.
Ability to comply with U.S. Export Control Laws; any employment offer is contingent on such compliance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience designing electrical hardware for semiconductor tools, high-vacuum systems, or high-temperature processing equipment.
Experience with high-current DC power supplies, magnetics, or cryogenic instrumentation.
Ability to write and debug IEC 61131-3 Structured Text code or Python scripts for hardware testbeds.
Exposure to Inductive Automation Ignition or custom operational interfaces.

Responsibilities

Design complete power and electrical hardware platforms for complex R&D tools, including power distribution, low-voltage DC systems, cable harnesses, and power conditioning.
Implement control-reliable safety systems for safeguarding industrial equipment in compliance with ANSI/RIA 15.06 and OSHA.
Create, modify, and approve electrical schematic packages—including one-lines, multi-line diagrams, I/O diagrams, panel layouts, and cable schedules—in AutoCAD Electrical, following NFPA 79, NEC, and UL 508A standards.
Size, specify, and integrate power supplies, circuit protection, VFDs, servo drives, safety relays, and precision sensors.
Design grounding, shielding, and isolation schemes to protect measurement signals in high-power, electrically noisy, and high-magnetic-field environments.
Implement electrical safety circuits, interlocks, light curtains, and emergency-stop systems.
Lead hands-on electrical testing, ring-out, power-up, and I/O validation on the tool floor using diagnostic equipment and basic PLC diagnostics.
Assist controls engineers with EtherCAT and other industrial fieldbus configuration, drive parameter verification, and debugging basic PLC code or HMI screens during tool bring-up.
Manage external panel-build shops and electrical contractors; specify panel construction, manage component BOMs, and lead Factory Acceptance Testing.
Occasionally travel or work required nights, weekends, or on-call.
Follow safety practices to mitigate industrial hazards.