Lead R&D Technician (m/w/d)

Job Description

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 Lead R&D Technician

The Lead R&D Technician at Commonwealth Fusion Systems is responsible for leading a fast-paced and agile team building the world’s strongest high temperature superconducting magnets and assemblies. Working with R&D with all aspects of product development, commercialization, and on-going manufacturing support, including development, prototype production, production process monitoring, production troubleshooting, and related activities. This role ensures functional operation and preventative maintenance of equipment and general house-keeping. The R&D Technician team supports design and builds of test equipment with systems including but not limited to electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, magnetic, cryogenic, vacuum, pressure systems with cutting edge technological innovations in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include close coordination with Operations, Maintenance, Quality and other departments to ensure goals and objectives are met.

This individual will cover our Second Shift.

What you'll do

• Lead a team in making electromechanical parts and assemblies for R&D to create processes & procedures
• Maintain the daily/weekly/monthly objectives and communicating them to employees
• Work within a multi-disciplinary team of manufacturing engineers and technicians to develop and qualify new manufacturing techniques and processes
• Perform and Lead a team and prototype hardware builds with minimal documentation and oversight
• Troubleshoot and resolve discrepancies with a focus on continuous improvement
• Stakeholder for feedback to supervisor during reviews
• Assists in building of new products, and/or optimization of existing products
• Prepares product prototypes for internal and/or external customer evaluation and to ensure robustness
• Conducts process monitoring activities, equipment capability & production trouble-shooting, identifying, communicating and implementing viable solutions to the team
• Maintains accurate records of all projects and assignments
• Maintains a safe work environment and operates in a safe manner
• Perform other related job duties related to the job, as assigned by management

What we’re looking for

• High school diploma/equivalency certificate or higher
• 3+ years' experience supervising a team
• 4+ years’ experience with hand tools and machine shop equipment
• 6+ years’ experience in a variety of technical support skills such as but not limited to mechanical and electrical assembly, plumbing, vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, soldering, and wiring

Bonus points for

• Experience with winding equipment of any type is a plus
• Experience navigating assemblies in 3D CAD software is a plus
• Experience with lean manufacturing, 5S, and Six Sigma principles
• Epoxy potting or injection molding experience, Cryo testing, Vacuum testing
• Forklift experience
• Crane or lifting experience
• Commitment and ability to communicate safety and quality to your team
• Ability to lead and give direction to a fast paced, highly skilled team
• Desire to work and contribute in a fast-paced, startup R&D environment with daily changes
• Ability to take directions from Supervisors & Managers and work independently
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) to a team reporting to you of daily and weekly goals
• Ability to train others in a variety of hands on and technical applications
• Meticulous attention to detail and cleanliness with hands-on work keeping continuous improvement in the forefront
• Ability and patience to work through projects from start to finish, including assembly and testing keeping your team motivated and engaged

Must-have Requirements

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

$32 - $60 an hour

Salary range for this full-time position + equity + benefits. The actual salary will depend on level, location, qualifications, and experience. The range displayed on each job posting reflects new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Benefits include:

• Competitive compensation with equity
• 12.5 Company-wide Holidays
• Flexible vacation days
• 10 sick days
• Generous parental leave policy
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Professional growth opportunities
• Team-building activities

At CFS, we excel in fast-paced environments, driven by our values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique. As we grow, we’re eager to bring on mission-driven folks who offer diverse perspectives and fresh ways to tackle challenges.

We value diversity deeply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally, regardless 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.