Vacuum Systems Engineer

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy.

CFS collaborates with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with groundbreaking new high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost. Our mission is to deploy these power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. To that end, 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 implement this plan, we are looking to add dedicated people to the team who treat people well, improve our work by adding multifaceted perspectives and new ways of solving problems, have achieved outstanding results through a range of pursuits, and have skills and experience related to this role.

The Vacuum Systems Engineer at Commonwealth Fusion Systems is responsible for leading a fast-paced and agile team, installing, commissioning, and maintaining high vacuum systems for the SPARC program. The focus will be on managing and supporting technicians and status reporting for the ongoing installation and commissioning of high vacuum and cryogenic system piping systems and equipment. 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 Engineer will also work closely with the ARC team to implement knowledge gained in installation and commissioning of SPARC components.

• Manage the schedule to ensure activities are completed on time and on budget
• Coordinate the work to ensure the installation, testing, and commissioning are achieved on time and on budget
• Collaborate with multiple multidisciplinary teams, to oversee in cleaning, installing, servicing, and leak testing complex ultra-high vacuum (UHV) equipment and systems
• Provide basic training to technicians and engineers on vacuum techniques
• Assist with integration of instrumentation with the Instrumentation & Control team
• Work alongside the tokamak operations and physics teams to complete the integrated commissioning plan

• Associate’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
• 5 years of hands-on vacuum system experience
• 5 years of hands-on experience with ultra-high vacuum system
• Experience with reading/understanding mechanical and electrical drawings, P&IDs, manuals and reports

• Designed, specified, built and operated vacuum systems for large research installation (e.g. fusion experiments, particle/ion accelerators, light sources) or for semiconductor wafer vacuum processing equipment
• Experience in designing per sound systems engineering practice
• A familiarity with tritium issues in vacuum systems is a strong plus
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• 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

CFS team members thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have demonstrated exceptional results through a range of different pursuits. We all tightly align with our company values of integrity, execution, impact and self-critique. As we grow, we are looking to add talented people who are mission driven and bring diverse perspectives and new ways of solving problems.

At CFS, we deeply value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis 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, ordinance, or regulation.