Materials Test Engineer

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 Materials Test Engineer

The Materials Test and Characterization Group at CFS is looking for a 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.

What you'll do:

• Identify and evaluate appropriate third party test vendors. Coordinate outsourced testing in a timely manner. Serve as a liaison between the CFS Materials Department and the vendors.
• Create, plan and manage experiments based on industry/international standards for outsourcing materials property testing based on project requirements
• Create, plan and manage experiments for outsourcing component level testing for component design validation. Establish contracts as needed.
• Define and develop appropriate test methods to use for each test, oversee the testing process to ensure it meets internal requirements and deadlines
• Review, verify and validate external test reports and perform subsequent data analysis
• Maintain all the required and relevant documentation, create presentations to communicate test results to the internal stakeholders
• Evaluate materials and components for structural and functional applications within SPARC and ARC
• Support development of test fixtures for mechanical testing of materials and components
• Work closely with other CFS teams
• • Translate component level performance requirements into material property specifications and define appropriate test methods
• • Manage chemical/mechanical/environmental hazards in existing and new experimental facilities with the safety team
• • Identify, onboard, and qualify new vendors with the supply chain team
• Submit purchase orders and prepare samples for shipment, collaborate with shipping teams and manage transport of materials to testing labs, following all regulatory requirements related to hazardous and non-hazardous material handling
• Ensure efficient and timely transfer of property data and new insight to materials engineering teams
• Maintain a database of approved testing vendors, including performance records and capabilities. Monitor the costs associated with outsourcing tests.
• Coordinate the ongoing development, validation and implementation of LIMS (Laboratory information management system) including the development or revision of LIMS policies and procedures
• Provide technical guidance to project team members to ensure efficient execution of design-build-test-learn cycles and retirement of technical risks

What we’re looking for:

• BS in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, physics, or related field
• Experience in material characterization and material property testing (Optical and electron microscopy, basic mechanical testing of materials)
• Design, execution, and documentation of experiments
• Experience writing standard operating procedures for technical tasks
• Data analysis, interpretation, and visualization
• Experience with software tools (e.g., G-Suite, MS Office, project management tools)
• Knowledge of materials mechanical testing concepts e.g., Tensile, low and high cycle fatigue, Shear, Fracture Toughness, Bending Moment, and Hardness testing
• Knowledge in mechanical test procedures
• Familiar with material engineering disciplines such as types of materials, how they are characterized, and methods of manufacturing
• Project management, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to estimate resource needs, plan, and schedule multiple activities in parallel
• Participate in and promote CFS’ safety procedures and policies
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, test operators, and support staff
• Ability to contribute in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines by rapidly executing short turnaround engineering/R&D tasks
• Strong problem solving skills, troubleshooting skills and ability to approach new problems with creativity
• Self - motivated with a bias-to-action

Bonus points:

• Experience with physical property testing of materials and subsequent data analysis
• Experience with metallographic sample preparation and analysis
• Experience working with a LIMS system
• Experience in coordinating testing to industry or international standards such as ASTM and ISO standards for QA-QC

Essential Requirements:

• 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
• #LI-Onsite