Principal R&D Instrumentation and Control Engineer

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.

The role of an I&C Engineer is to collaboratively develop, test, and deliver data acquisition, control hardware, a software suite and associated instrumentation. These systems will be used during integration, development, qualification and production testing of CFS magnets and other critical SPARC components. This engineer will also work with multidisciplinary teams of engineers and technicians to produce instrumentation and control systems that generate reliable data in support of critical company missions. They will organize and drive a cohesive instrumentation and control program for R&D and perform as a technical mentor for I&C engineers and test engineers on the team. They must work collaboratively across manufacturing, R&D, procurement, and SPARC teams to achieve these goals.

• Work within a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and physicists
• Work with small engineering teams through the design, procurement, fabrication, commissioning, and demonstration of prototype engineering test stands and customer facing magnet products
• Perform as a technical expert, a project lead and people leader as necessary to meet the unique project demands
• Report on progress to the R&D Project Managers
• Design, build, and install industrial PLC equipment
• Research, install, and qualify sensors for the operation & measurement of wide rage subsystems and magnet products
• Document system-level wiring diagrams and test stand configuration
• Design and implement fast and creative solutions for small and short-lived projects and experiments.
• Implement open-/closed-loop and scheduled control schemes
• Implement system safety features including interlocks and fault-detection
• Data analysis with a focus on data integrity, quality, reliability and performance improvement
• Create custom solutions to improve manufacturability, yield, and reliability large magnet production style test stands
• Develop HMI/GUI software running on remote control workstations using visual software languages such as LabVIEW or Ignition
• Develop Real-Time software running on National Instruments DAQ systems such as CompactRIO, CompactDAQ, or other hardware
• Develop and build PLC programs for automated control and data capture of large test stands and systems
• Develop drivers for all analog and digital peripheral system components

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, physics or another related engineering field with significant hands-on laboratory experience
• 10+ years in an integration and test engineering role, working with physical lab equipment
• 10+ years’ experience designing, testing, troubleshooting, and debugging electronics hardware and test software
• The ability to succeed in a fast-paced and dynamic engineering environment

• Schematic capture, layout, construction, and installation of evaluation PCBs and harnesses
• Experience developing P&ID, electrical, and wiring schematics and diagrams, and then working with a team to translate these into a functioning system for the acquisition of decision quality data
• Experience assembling and troubleshooting electrical and mechanical hardware
• Strong fundamentals with Python development.
• Experience with LabVIEW automation and development techniques.
• Experience with control systems for test applications including, PID, real time, etc.
• Experience with mechanical fixturing, including the design of mechanical elements in CAD software such as AutoCAD or NX
• Demonstrated expertise in the use of lab and test equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, high-capacity power supplies, spectrum analyzer, and logic analyzers
• Experience with Siemens and Beckhoff PLC hardware and software including TwinCAT  Experience successfully working closely with time series database & IT technologies
• Experience with remote communication including industrial automation protocols (e.g. Modbus, Profinet, Profibus, TCP/IP, RS-232, RS-485, GPIB, DAQmx, CompactDAQ, VISA, EtherCAT)
• Expertise in industrial instrumentation and data analysis
• Familiar with six-sigma manufacturing process improvement models and techniques
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Perform activities such as typing, stooping, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
• Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics
• #LI-Onsite

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.