Senior Process Engineer - Vacuum Systems

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems: 

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 over $2 billion in capital – more than any other fusion energy company in the U.S.

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 Process Engineer - Vacuum Systems

The Senior Process Engineer for Vacuum Systems at Commonwealth Fusion Systems is responsible for developing, installing, and commissioning high and ultra-high vacuum systems for the SPARC program. This person will also be responsible for supporting the development company-wide standards for the purchasing, testing and handling of high and UHV equipment and components. The ideal candidate will feel comfortable managing multiple priorities and able to triage and troubleshoot a backlog of technical issues. This is a hands-on role; this individual will be deeply involved in the installation and commissioning of vacuum systems and will support adjacent teams in qualifying of components and equipment with high and UHV requirements. The SPARC vacuum system provides an extra challenge in that it must act as the primary containment of the tritium fusion fuel.  Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring the efficient operation of vacuum technology, optimizing system performance, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise. Collaborating with multiple multidisciplinary teams, you will contribute to the advancement of cutting-edge technologies that rely on high-vacuum systems.

As the SPARC project progresses, the Vacuum Systems Process Engineer will also work closely with the ARC team to implement knowledge gained in installation, commissioning and operation of SPARC components.

• Support the management of resource planning to ensure activities are completed on time and on budget
• Coordinate the work of the SPARC vacuum system team to ensure the installation and commissioning of piping and equipment are achieved on time and on budget
• Work alongside the tokamak operations and physics teams to plan and complete integrated commissioning and support SPARC operations and maintenance
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the SPARC project to develop specifications and procedures to contribute to the advancement of cutting-edge high and UHV systems and technologies
• Proactively address emerging interface conflicts with other systems
• Integrate instrumentation with the Instrumentation & Control team
• Assist with training and troubleshooting for vacuum process technicians and engineers across the SPARC project

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering or science field
• 10+ years of experience with a variety of vacuum pumping, vacuum measurement, and leak detection technologies
• Operated vacuum systems for large research installation (e.g. fusion experiments, particle/ion accelerators, light sources) or for semiconductor wafer vacuum processing equipment
• In depth knowledge of materials’ selection and manufacturing processes for UHV and HV technologies duty and best practice
• Experience in the supervision and mentoring of a small multi-disciplinary team of engineers and technicians
• Ensure that the design of the vacuum systems and components for the SPARC tokamak is completed to industry standards and satisfy SPARC requirements and mission
• Experience creating and reviewing 3D CAD models, P&IDs, Process Flow Diagrams, and engineering schematics

• A familiarity with nuclear safety, environmental, radiation protection confinement and breaching of tritium systems is a strong plus

• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
• Work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, cryogenics, confined spaces, lasers, microwaves, ionizing radiation, and vacuum/pressure systems

#LI-Onsite

At CFS, we excel in fast-paced environments, driven by our values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique. As we grow, we’re eager to bring on mission-driven folks who offer diverse perspectives and fresh ways to tackle challenges.

We value diversity deeply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally, regardless 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.