Senior Equipment Engineer

Commonwealth Fusion Systems•Milpitas, CA

48d•$110,000 - $185,000•Onsite

About The Position

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy. Combining decades of research, top talent, and new technologies, we're designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And working with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future. We're in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we've raised nearly $3 billion in capital, making us the largest and leading private fusion company in the world. Now we're looking for more thinkers, doers, builders, and makers to join us. People who'll bring new perspectives, solve tough problems, and thrive as part of a team. If that's you and this role fits, we want to hear from you. Join the power movement as a Senior Equipment Engineer - R&D Vacuum Deposition We're looking for a hands-on Equipment Engineer to join our R&D team and help build the next generation of thin-film deposition technology. The Equipment Engineer will be responsible for supporting, maintaining, and improving high-vacuum systems used in R&D and operations. This role requires strong technical expertise, procedural discipline, and the ability to collaborate across engineering and operations functions to ensure safe, reliable, and high-performance equipment operation. If you enjoy working on complex equipment, mentoring others, and solving problems in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, this is your opportunity to make an impact.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, or related engineering field (or equivalent practical experience)
5+ years of experience with semiconductor or thin-film deposition equipment
Strong background in vacuum systems (HV/UHV), pumps (roughing, turbo, cryo), gauges, and leak detection
Demonstrated ability to write and implement procedures (SOPs, PMs, LOTO)
Hands-on experience with equipment startup, commissioning, and qualification
Proven ability to train and support technical staff
Effective cross-functional communicator with strong troubleshooting skills
Commitment to safety, reliability, and documentation discipline

Nice To Haves

Experience in R&D environments
Experience with magnetron sources (thermal or e-beam), and high-vacuum chamber design
Familiarity with process gases, cryogenics, or thermal control systems
Knowledge of automation platforms (Beckhoff, Siemens) or data acquisition systems
Proficiency with CAD (NX preferred) or basic design review capability
Prior experience in FAT/SAT processes and vendor equipment qualification
Prior success building first-of-kind or experimental tools for material science or semiconductor R&D

Responsibilities

Lead installation, startup, commissioning, and qualification of systems, including vendor factory acceptance testing (FAT)
Develop and maintain procedures including SOPs, PM schedules, and LOTO documentation in compliance with OSHA, SEMI, and internal standards
Train and mentor equipment technicians in safe operation, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance of deposition tools
Collaborate with process engineers, design engineers, and facilities teams to drive improvements in equipment performance, reliability, and integration
Perform root cause analysis and corrective actions for complex equipment issues
Implement upgrades, retrofits, and reliability improvements with coordination across vendors and internal stakeholders
Track equipment uptime, maintenance history, and performance metrics for continuous improvement
Ensure strict adherence to safety standards and support EHS initiatives