R&D Mechanical 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 R&D Mechanical Test Engineer

The role of a Test Engineer is to seamlessly flex between multiple disciplines and groups to effectively execute tests and projects on aggressive schedules supporting Commonwealth Fusion System’s mission. This engineer will be primarily responsible for testing and retiring risks for CFS’ HTS magnets. They must have a fundamental understanding of mechanical, electrical, materials, fluids and FEA, or some combination thereof. This role heavily emphasizes the mechanical design and construction of the test equipment. The role will be responsible for the design, build, and commissioning of equipment in support of development, qualification, and production test objectives. They must work collaboratively across Manufacturing, R&D, and Procurement to achieve test campaign goals. It is also the role of the mechanical engineer to challenge the requirements, risks, and test objectives that they are given with the goal of helping the combined stakeholders come to a consensus on why the planned test is required and what data is deemed essential for the outcome to be achieved.

What you'll do:

• Design, analyze, review, procure, and build test equipment. Including structures, fluid systems, pressure vessels, mechanical systems, and electro-mechanical systems
• Work with Test Engineers to plan tests for achieving objectives, collecting key data needed and defining instrumentation and controls necessary to obtain this data. Ensure data is reliable
• Understand, challenge, and maintain well-documented requirements and risks for the system or component under test
• Identify and mitigate safety hazards associated with test equipment. Produce safety documentation such as job hazard assessments and test readiness reviews
• Maintain documentation and schedule for projects responsible for. Documentation may include: design reviews, wiring lists, P&IDs, schematics, CAD assemblies, and drawings
• Perform any needed analysis to create successful designs. Analysis may include structural, thermal, or fluid. Analysis may be hand calcs or FEA, which ever is warranted. Support for complex analysis is available, however this role would work with analyst to define and approve results
• Troubleshoot and resolve integration discrepancies during build, and commissioning of new designs
• Iterate on designs, equipment, and operations to improve designs
• Work within a team to achieve objectives. This includes regular scheduled reporting

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science field is required; Mechanical engineering or similar, or applied physics degree
• 5+ years experience designing/building/commissioning mechanical/industrial equipment
• 5+ years using CAD software to design complex assemblies, producing drawings for procurement with a working knowledge of GD&T and tolerance stackup
• 5+ years experience with analysis of mechanical components, strength of materials and failure criteria. Familiar with use of fasteners, analysis of welds, and bolted joints
• Familiarity with electromagnetic fundamentals – voltage, current, resistance, Ohm’s Law, AC/DC, right-hand rule, solenoids, etc.
• Excellent troubleshooting/problem-solving skills with great attention to detail
• Effective at communicating technical topics to both technical and non-technical audiences
• High self-motivation and drive to execute quickly
• A can-do attitude and an eagerness to learn and/or teach junior engineers/techs
• Collaboration skills including active listening and facilitating a productive discourse on problems
• Ability to innovate creative solutions to challenging problems
• Willingness to challenge the status quo in search of better, more efficient methods

Bonus points for:

• Experience with structural FEA software, especially ANSYS and COMSOL Experience using NX and Teamcenter
• Experience with high field magnet testing traditional or superconducting
• Experience with designing fluid systems – P&IDs, component selection, ASME design codes.
• Experience with cryogenic equipment design and use for liquid nitrogen and supercritical helium use – vacuum jacketed equipment, cryocoolers, phase separators, cold traps
• Experience with high vacuum equipment design and use – roughing pumps, turbopumps, ion gauges, residual gas analyzers
• Experience with high voltage and high current power equipment design and use – power supplies, water cooled cables, insulation

Must-have requirements:

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Perform activities such as typing, stooping, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
• Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/overtime
• Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics