Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy.
CFS is collaborating with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with new groundbreaking high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost. The mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. 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 execute this plan, we are looking to add talented people to the team who are mission-driven and treat people well, improve our team by adding diverse perspectives and new ways of solving problems, have demonstrated exceptional results through a range of different pursuits, and have skill sets and experience that relate to this role.
The design of the SPARC tokamak is continually advancing, including the diagnostic systems that will be used to control the plasma and deliver the scientific data necessary to inform the design of ARC. These include approximately 40 sub-systems covering magnetics, interferometry, neutral pressure, x-ray to visible spectroscopy, camera imaging, bolometry, neutrons, Thomson scattering, electron cyclotron emission, reflectometry, Langmuir probes and structural temperature and strain sensing. Nearly all systems have completed conceptual design, and CFS is looking to grow the SPARC team in order complete detailed system design and shepherd diagnostics through fabrication and assembly. Work may cover a range of engineering disciplines from optical, nuclear, mechanical and electrical to ensure diagnostic designs can be integrated into the Tokamak itself, the Tokamak Hall and the Diagnostics Hall. Candidates will work alongside CFS staff, MIT-PSFC partners and fusion community collaborators from around the world to design and build the tools that will measure net energy from a tokamak for the first time.
This team member will:
- Support the design of one or more SPARC diagnostic systems or sub-systems, by providing multi-disciplinary engineering analysis
- Work side-by-side with scientists other engineers in the SPARC team to translate measurement requirements into detailed, cost-effective designs
- Provide quantitative engineering analysis that balances risk and schedule, ranging from hand calculations to detailed finite element modeling, producing reports and presentations as requested
- Iterate with the wider SPARC design team to solve in-vessel, port-plug and building level diagnostic integration challenges
- Support the resolution technical issues that arise during the manufacturing of SPARC diagnostics
- Develop documentation and tooling to guide diagnostic assembly, providing feedback on the impact of field changes during installation
- Contribute to strong safety culture
- Provide expertise that helps CFS build a core competency in diagnostics that can deliver future fusion devices optimized for power production
The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of these requirements:
- At least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field, typically mechanical or aerospace engineering
- Demonstrated proficiency in engineering analysis using FEA
- Proficiency in one or more CAD programs for component design
- Familiarity with basic machining techniques, welding processes and current, general fabrication concepts
- Hands on experience developing hardware used for analytical instrumentation or process control
- Relevant knowledge/skills specific to diagnostic systems listed in summary
- Attention to detail with an ability to pivot between topics multiple times per day
- An ability to clearly express and critique ideas
- An emphasis on elegance and simplicity over complexity
Additional experience and/or qualifications:
- Use of ANSYS or COMSOL for finite element analysis
- Use of NX for CAD
- Familiarity with materials relevant for fusion environments, including ultra-high vacuum
- Participated in the design of a new or upgraded plasma diagnostic system on a magnetically confined fusion device
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Perform activities such as sitting, standing, or typing for extended periods of time
- Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include heat, cold, fumes, strong magnets, confined spaces, lasers, microwaves, ionizing radiation, and vacuum/pressure systems
- Willing to travel occasionally or work required nights/weekends/on-call
CFS team members thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have demonstrated exceptional results through a range of different