Senior Cryogenic 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 SPARC facility is intended to be the world’s first net-energy fusion device. It features a 30kW at 10K equivalent cryogenics (CRYO) plant to provide cooling to high-temperature superconducting (HTS magnets) and other critical components within the reactor. Within CRYO, the cryodistribution (CRYD) system consists of a 30-ft distribution box and up to 30” outer diameter vacuum-jacketed lines to remove and convey heat generated within the reactor to the cryoplant (CRYP). The cryoplant (CRYP) rejects the heat to the SPARC cooling water system.

The CRYD Blowdown System enables storage, release, recapture, and recool of cryogenic helium at large flow rates through the HTS magnets during the highest power fusion pulses. The system consists of a series of large cryogenic tanks, valves, and VJLs, with a dedicated controls system.

The CRYD Blowdown Lead will own responsibility for delivering an operational CRYD Blowdown System - meeting technical requirements, on-time and on-budget.

• Understand and serve SPARC, CRYO, and CRYD team objectives. Set CRYD Blowdown System objectives. Drive uncertainty to clarity, proactively fill responsibility vacuums, prioritize work thoughtfully, provide recommendations, make decisions, set and hold due dates, drive outstanding items to completion, learn and improve, and be a great teammate, upholding the highest standards of good-faith collaboration, adhering to the Goals & Expectations of the SPARC CRYO team
• Perform (and/or direct to the CRYO Analysis team) thermohydraulic calculations; make updates to PFD, P&ID, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and other key system documents; and develop technical deliverables as necessary to specify the CRYD Blowdown System during all operating modes
• Identify, communicate, and manage key CRYD Blowdown System risks. Develop efficient derisking strategies and plans. Tee-up, make, and document key system decisions
• Develop and maintain specifications and interface modules for the design, fabrication, and operation of the CRYD Blowdown System, soliciting feedback from interfacing systems and, as necessary, throughout a SPARC team of more than 750 people, to ensure the CRYD Blowdown System meets the requirements of SPARC
• Manage multi-$M contracts with CRYD Blowdown System vendors around the world, ensuring key equipment gets to the Devens site meeting technical requirements, on-time and on-budget. As part of that:
• ○      Provide specifications and oversee vendor selection process and informing contract setup
• ○      Lead kickoffs, regular meetings, and driving technical design reviews
• ○      Identify and resolve vendor(s) questions. Communicate evolving design needs from the SPARC team. Identify critical decisions and risks that warrant additional attention
• ○      Attend witness points and travel as necessary to the vendors
• ○      Document interactions with the vendor(s) (e.g. maintain shared and organized electronic resource of information provided by the vendor(s), maintain a log of topics discussed and decisions made, and organize learnings gathered)
• Develop and execute install and commissioning plans and procedures, managing install contractors and supporting teams, working hands-on with industrial-scale equipment as necessary. Treat safety as an ethical responsibility and uphold the highest safety standards
•  Maintain versatility and a broad understanding of the CRYO and CRYD programs. Provide specific and actionable feedback, make recommendations. Support other CRYO priorities as necessary

• Comply with CFS design control processes, documenting design developments in written files, arranging for check and review of design development files, and submitting design development files into M-Files
•  Report to the CRYD Lead

• Bachelors in Mechanical, Chemical, Thermal or Process Engineering
• 5+ years of experience in the engineering of large-scale, integrated thermofluid systems, from conceptual design through field commissioning
• Experience developing specifications for thermofluid components, e.g. blowers, tanks, control valves
• Experience traveling to manage vendors at their sites, willing to travel occasionally
• Experience using engineering analysis tools: ANSYS, COMSOL, 1D compressible flow code, MATLAB, Simulink
• Knowledge of ASME BPVC, ASME B31.3, NFPA 70E and ASTM Standards
• Proficiency of a CAD software system, e.g. NX, CREO, AVEVA
• Experience with safety systems and protocols, e.g. LOTO, Confined Space, Fall Protection, JHA, MSDS, PPE

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Perform activities such as typing, 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
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
• #LI-Hybrid

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.