Principal Molten Salt Component Specialist

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

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.

ARC will be the first machine to produce electricity from fusion energy, serving as the cornerstone to a new industry.  ARC will strongly leverage the work that’s been done for SPARC in developing HTS magnets and other key tokamak systems. However, because of its mission to deliver power to the grid, the ARC tokamak has several systems not included on SPARC. The ARC group is a growing team that is delivering key scientific and engineering results to push the technical readiness level of these new enabling technologies higher.

ARC will use a fluoride-based molten salt as the breeder blanket working fluid and primary coolant. To develop this first of kind engineering system CFS will undertake a large molten salt development facility. This role will be the key component level subject matter expert in supporting the design for ARC’s molten salt power systems, and for the development facility, de-risking the pathway for the deployment of a fusion power plant. This senior engineer will conduct trade-space analysis of component technologies for this high temperature, corrosive application to meet system requirements. They will engage deeply with industry partners towards manufacturing of critical molten salt components. They will develop design packages for the development facility to ensure it is capable of evaluating both the component level and integrated system level performances necessary to de-risk the technology. As the project progresses the engineer will be expected to support the installation, commissioning, operations, and results assessment of the development facility.

This role requires compliance with U.S. laws concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information (collectively, “Export Control Laws"). Any offer of employment will be contingent on the need for compliance with such Export Control Laws.

• Provide expert guidance on the design of molten salt systems components (pumps, valves, instruments, HXRs, tanks, heaters, etc.) for ARC
• Support the critical material selections, for both mechanical and static components
• Support the design, construction, commissioning and operations of demonstration facilities capable of de-risking system architecture, system & component performances, maintenance, lifetime, chemical compatibility, etc.
• Plan and execute the development campaigns needed for novel molten salt system components, lead the strategy for co-development with vendors
• Identify vendors capable of supporting a co-development effort, coordinate and manage vendors to ensure consistent alignment throughout the component development process
• Support procurement of existing molten salt component products
• Develop operating procedures and test plans, identifying test objectives, key data needed, and the requirements and approaches for testing at both system and equipment levels
• Ensure facility designs are capable of evaluating prototype molten salt pumps, valves and instrumentation for performance curves, sealing, lifespan, and response to operating modes
• Interpret and consolidate experimental test data; prepare technical presentations and briefing them to technical leadership teams, vendors, and Independent Engineering reviewers
• Provide high-level technical guidance and support to resolve complex design issues, ensuring continuous progress on design, installation, commissioning and system operations
• Understand the trade-offs in terms of cost, schedule, budget, manufacturability, and bankability of different technical paths and align these with business objectives
• Development of design bases, design requirements, and design guidance for salt system components

• BS in Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum, or Nuclear Engineering or a related field
• Graduate degree in an engineering or applied science discipline is preferred
• 10+ years of molten salt system design
• Deep knowledge of severe service applications with challenging chemical compatibility necessitating non-standard materials of construction
• Experience designing molten salt test stands, testing and validating pump, valve and instrument performances
• Hands-on engineering experience with fluid systems and rotating machines
• Experience with design, development,  and manufacturing for molten salt pumps, valve and instruments
• Understanding of the vendor landscape
• Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include molten salt chemical hazards, high temperature, and strong magnetic fields

• Process simulation with industry standard software (HYSYS, Aveva, etc.)
• Dynamic process simulation for thermal transient responses
• Working experience with FLiBe or other high temperature molten salt chemistries (chloride, fluoride, etc.)
• A demonstrated history of participation in or leading the delivery of bespoke hardware systems
• Knowledge of resource estimation and projection
• Perform activities such as standing, and sitting for extended periods of time
• Great communication and organizational skills
• Strong time management skills
• Self - motivation and autonomy
• Willingness to occasionally travel 20% or work required nights/weekends/on-call, particularly during commissioning
• 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
• #LI-Remote

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.