Process Engineering Manager

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 Process Engineering Manager

ARC will be the first machine to produce electricity from fusion energy, serving as the cornerstone to a new industry. ARC will strongly leverage the work that’s been done for SPARC in developing HTS magnets and other key tokamak systems. However, because of its mission to deliver power to the grid, the ARC tokamak has several systems not included on SPARC. The ARC group within R&D is a growing team that is delivering key scientific and engineering results to push the technical readiness level of these new enabling technologies higher.

The Blanket System team at CFS is looking to grow the team as we expand our operations into larger-scale, FLiBe-based test loops. These test loops will operate in a novel and extreme environment, with high temperatures, chemical hazards, and new materials. We are looking for a Salt Process Engineering Manager to lead a growing team specializing in the design of FLiBe systems. This person needs to be an experienced engineering manager who can balance resource needs across diverse projects and grow a center of excellence for salt process design.

The Blanket System team has a strong practice of carrying engineering risk where appropriate while attentively and aggressively managing safety risk, and we are looking for an engineer who will actively contribute to this culture.

This role requires compliance with U.S. laws concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information (collectively, “Export Control Laws). Any offer of employment will be contingent on the need for compliance with such Export Control Laws.

What you'll do

• Develop team infrastructure to ensure common design process and process engineering methods across multiple projects
• Understand priorities across projects and prioritize resources between them to mitigate risk
• Develop best practices for process engineering with molten salts
• Review technical documents and calculations from process team members for accuracy and alignment with project goals
• Act as a link between salt process engineering team and other groups within CFS
• Serve as technical authority on process engineering both within CFS and in collaborations with external partners
• Support hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) activities (e.g. HAZOP, LOPA, What If?)
• Contribute individually as an expert process engineer as needed:
  • Develop and maintain specifications and interface requirements for the design, fabrication, and operation of salt systems
  • Provide component specifications and oversee vendor selection process
  • Identify, communicate, and manage design risks. Develop efficient de-risking strategies and plans
  • Perform design calculations (e.g. H&MB) and develop technical deliverables (e.g. PFD, P&ID, Process Design Basis, Control Philosophy, Operation & Maintenance Strategy)

What we’re looking for

• BS in Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum or Nuclear Engineering or a related field
• Graduate degree in the field preferred but not required
• 5+ years experience managing process engineering teams and projects
• 7+ years of experience in the engineering of integrated thermofluid and chemical processing systems, from conceptual design through operation
• Experience developing specifications for thermofluid components, (e.g. pumps, valves, tanks, etc)
• Experience with severe service working fluids (e.g. high temperature, hazardous fluids, etc)
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, technical staff and others
• Ability to clearly express and critique ideas
• Great communication and organizational skills (required)
• Strong problem solving skills, ability to approach new problems with creativity
• Working knowledge of PIP, ASME BPVC, ASME B31 and other relevant industry standards
• Working knowledge of process and fluid simulation tools (COMSOL, Aspen, etc.)

Bonus points for

• Experience managing multiple projects and prioritizing resources
• Experience building teams and engineering management processes
• Experience with molten salt systems
• Experience with degassing systems or industrial gas/liquid or liquid/liquid separation systems
• Experience with Front-End-Loading (FEL) engineering design cycle, or equivalent
• Experience with first-of-a-kind, R&D, or pilot system development

Must-have Requirements

• Work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, hazardous chemicals and cryogenics
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally

$100,000 - $200,000 a year

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.