Materials Test Engineer II

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy.

While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.

CFS collaborates with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with groundbreaking new high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology.

HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost. Our mission is to deploy these power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible.

To that end, CFS has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution.

Supported by the world’s leading investors, CFS is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change.

To implement this plan, we are looking to add dedicated people to the team who treat people well, improve our work by adding multifaceted perspectives and new ways of solving problems, have achieved outstanding results through a range of pursuits, and have skills and experience related to this role.

The Materials Test and Characterization Group at CFS is looking for an experienced materials test engineer to support the ongoing design, engineering, and delivery of the SPARC net energy tokamak being built in Devens, MA.

Fusion energy systems require high performance materials in extreme environments. The material properties and failure modes must be tested in similar extremes to validate they will be able to meet the strict requirements.

Materials test engineers will interface with multiple stakeholders across CFS including design engineering, supply chain, electromagnetic analysts, and more.

We are seeking engineers with strong materials science fundamentals and hands-on materials testing experience. Experience with a variety of material characterization, design of experiments and interest in developing test methods are desired.

Knowledge on performance of materials at cryogenic temperatures is preferred.

This team member will :

• Participate in the evaluation and qualification of materials and components for structural and functional applications within SPARC and ARC
• Support development of test fixtures for mechanical testing of materials and components
• Translate performance requirements into material property specifications and define appropriate test methods
• Support Materials Engineers on translating performance into material property specifications for internal customers
• Define and develop appropriate test methods to use for each unique test
• Ensure efficient and timely transfer of property data and new insight to materials engineering teams
• Execute test validation and analysis for data generated by materials test operators
• Work closely with other CFS teams including :
• Safety team to manage chemical / mechanical / environmental hazards in existing and new experimental facilities
• Adjacent R&D teams to optimally share pooled resources including equipment and personnel
• Supply chain team to procure new equipment and materials
• Provide technical guidance to project team members to ensure efficient execution of design-build-test-learn cycles and retirement of technical risks

The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of these requirements :

• BS in Materials Science and Engineering or related field with 5 years of relevant experience
• Experience with material characterization and material property testing
• Testing to industry or international standards such as ASTM and ISO standards
• Experience writing standard operating procedures for technical tasks
• Experience operating static and dynamic mechanical test frames, extensometers, and strain gauges
• Experience with optical and electron microscopy for material characterization and failure analysis
• Understanding and experience testing in various environments including extreme temperature and high vacuum applications
• Design of experiments
• Data analysis, interpretation, and visualization
• Knowledge of materials mechanical testing concepts including : Tensile test, Low and high cycle fatigue, Shear, Fracture Toughness, Bending Moment, Hardness etc.
• Knowledge in test procedures for advanced mechanical testing (low / high cycle fatigue, high and low temperature mechanical testing)
• Familiarity with a variety of material engineering disciplines including characterization of metallic and non-metallic materials, adhesives, failure analysis and manufacturing operations
• The ability to participate in and promote CFS’ safety procedures and policies
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, test operators and others
• Ability to clearly express and critique ideas
• Ability to rapidly execute short turnaround engineering / R&D tasks
• Ability to communicate with a wide range of technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong problem solving skills, troubleshooting skills and ability to approach new problems with creativity
• Resource estimation and projection
• Strong time management skills
• Self-motivation and autonomy

Additional preferred experience and / or qualifications :

• Experience with physical property testing of materials using Dilatometer, PPMS, FTIR, VSM etc. and subsequent data analysis
• Experience with metallographic sample preparation and analysis
• Experience with vacuum systems and vacuum furnaces
• Experience with material outgassing testing
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Extended activities such as typing, standing, and sitting
• Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics
• Willingness to travel or work required nights / weekends / on-call occasionally

CFS team members thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have demonstrated exceptional results through a range of different pursuits.

We all tightly align with our company values of integrity, execution, impact and self-critique. As we grow, we are looking to add talented people who are mission driven and bring diverse perspectives and new ways of solving problems.

At CFS, we deeply value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

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