Senior Thermal Fluids Engineer/Analyst

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 Thermal Fluids Engineer/Analyst

The role of a Senior Thermal Fluids Engineer is to drive R&D risk reduction efforts for CFS’s HTS magnets, from magnet design to validation and manufacturing. The engineer should have strong fundamentals in heat transfer and fluid mechanics, and be able to utilize both quick engineering calculations and in-depth computational tools to support analyses and recommendations. Hands on experience is also desired, as the engineer will design thermal-fluids hardware that interface with other systems. Teamwork is also important for this role. The engineer must be able to communicate to broad stakeholders, work with cross-functional teams, and navigate the strategic impacts of their work. The engineer is expected to be a subject matter expert in teams they are supporting, and should provide leadership in defining their work scope.

What you'll do:

• Lead development of thermal-fluid systems, including analysis, design, review, procurement, and commissioning
• Analyze thermal-fluid systems using the appropriate level of complexity, from hand calculations to FEA modeling. Draw engineering recommendations from analysis
• Develop well-rounded hardware solutions for thermal fluids challenges
• Contribute to test plans identifying the test objectives, key data needed, and the instrumentation necessary to obtain this data
• Maintain documentation, including: design reviews, P&IDs, schematics, CAD assemblies and drawings
• Communicate to broad stakeholders about test results, analysis recommendations, project statuses, etc.

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field is required
• 5+ years experience engineering thermal fluids systems
• 2+ years performing thermal, structural and fluids analyses ranging from hand calculations to FEA and CFD if necessary (Ansys or Comsol preferred)
• 2+ years CAD experience (NX preferred), drafting and fluid schematic design experience
• 1+ years experience designing custom parts or assemblies for fabrication.
• 2+ years experience with selecting and utilizing fluid system components such as thermocouples, pressure transducers, heaters, flow meters, process valves, solenoid valves, relief valves, regulators and filters
• Conducting trade studies to determine technical approaches to a project
• Data post-processing skills that can interpret results and sources of error
• Self-motivated and can take ownership of projects
• A positive and collaborative attitude, and an eagerness to learn
• Innovative spirit and ability to question existing assumptions and requirements
• An emphasis on elegance and simplicity over complexity
• Networking and collaboration skills to work with stakeholders with different perspectives and interests, and get help from necessary experts elsewhere in the organization
• Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/overtime

Bonus points:

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Familiarity with model reduction and mesh optimization for model efficiency
• Familiarity with electromagnetic fundamentals – voltage, current, resistance, Ohm’s Law, AC/DC, right-hand rule, solenoids, etc.
• Familiarity with structural analysis, or other multi-physics regimes
• Can communicate technical topics tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Troubleshooting/problem-solving skills with great attention to detail
• The ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments
• A drive toward commercially viable solutions, and ability to navigate make vs buy decisions
• Values that align with our company’s values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique

Essential Requirements:

• Work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics
• Ability to improve efficiency and throughput of processes
• #LI-Hybrid