Materials Scientist II - Fusion & Radiation Effects

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 Irradiation Effects Team within the Materials Department is seeking a scientist or engineer with experience in fusion and radiation effects on materials for power plant applications. Neutron fluxes produced by deuterium-tritium fusion, high heat loads, molten salt coolant systems, and complex component topologies all introduce unique challenges for optimizing material selection while meeting manufacturing and cost requirements. Some experience with radiation damage (preferably neutrons) on materials is required, but the candidate’s specialization within this field may include experience with any or all of the following: structural materials, plasma-facing materials, advanced manufacturing, joining and welding, molten salt environments, or related areas. Part of this position will include contributing to irradiated materials databases, doing meta analysis on historical data, and designing experiments to address gaps in the data. This position will work closely with the CFS SPARC team on near term applications as well as with the ARC team on longer term selection of materials and design of components for steady state fusion power output.

This team member will:

• Act as an expert on radiation and fusion environment effects in materials to advise groups across CFS
• Contribute to a database of irradiated material properties, and use this to perform analysis and forcasting
• Lead selection, testing, and qualification of materials for use in fusion devices
• Translate performance requirements into material property specifications and define appropriate test methods
• Lead projects in-house and in collaboration with partners at universities, national laboratories, and industry
• Ensure efficient and timely transfer of property data and new insight to the SPARC and ARC Design teams
• Provide technical guidance to project team members to ensure efficient execution of design-build-test-learn cycles and retirement of technical risks
• Work closely with other CFS teams including:
  • Safety team to manage chemical/mechanical/environmental hazards in existing and New experimental facilities
  • Adjacent R&D teams to optimally share pooled resources including equipment and personnel
  • Supply chain team to procure new equipment and materials
  • Manufacturing team to ensure fabrication methods are scalable

Requirements

• PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field or MS + 3 years experience or BS + 5 years experienceTesting or measuring material properties
• Experience leading/coordinating materials R&D projects from conception to execution
• Experience with radiation effects on materials
• Experience with utilizing University, International/National Laboratory, and/or outsourced testing and research organizations
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, technical staff and others
• Ability to clearly express and critique ideas
• Great written and verbal scientific communication
• Strong problem solving skills, ability to approach new problems with creativity
• Resource estimation and projection
• Strong time management skills
• Self - motivation and autonomy

Additional preferred experience and/or qualifications

• Experience conducting research experiments with neutrons, or other radiation, on materials
• Practical experience in selecting and developing material solutions for fusion applications from industry, government laboratories, or academia
• Experience developing or working on materials property databases
• Analytical and computational skills that can be applied to complicated and sparse data sets
• Experience in communicating (verbal and written) technical information to people outside the fusion materials field
• Trained in material test methods such as thermophysical properties, mechanical tests, or microscopy
• Extended activities such as typing, standing, and sitting
• 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
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally

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.