Senior Process Engineer

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 Senior Process Engineer

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.

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 Senior Process Engineer to lead development of the technical basis for these loops. This engineer needs to be a creative, proactive problem solver who can work with the rest of the Blanket System team to tackle first-of-a-kind engineering systems (e.g. hydrogen extraction from FLiBe).

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 and maintain specifications and interface requirements for the design, fabrication, and operation of salt systems, soliciting feedback from interfacing teams as necessary
• Identify, communicate, and manage design risks. Develop efficient de-risking strategies and plans
• Support hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) activities (e.g. HAZOP, LOPA, What If?)
• Perform design calculations (e.g. H&MB) and develop technical deliverables (e.g. PFD, P&ID, Process Design Basis, Control Philosophy, Operation & Maintenance Strategy), to specify various salt systems during all operating modes
• Review technical documents and calculations for accuracy and alignment with project goals
• Own and improve key technical workflows
• Serve as technical authority on process engineering both within CFS and in collaborations with external partners
• Travel as necessary to vendor sites
• Provide component specifications and oversee vendor selection process
• Develop and execute installation and commissioning plans and procedures, manage installation and supporting teams, and work hands-on as necessary
• Work closely with other CFS teams including:
  • Safety team to manage chemical hazards (including beryllium) in existing and new experimental facilities
  • Other R&D functions including Mechanical, I&C etc
  • Supply Chain Team
  • ARC Design Team

What we’re looking for

• BS in Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum, or Nuclear Engineering or a related field
• 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 managing engineering teams and projects
• 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
• 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.) and/or scientific programming languages (Python, Matlab, etc.)

Bonus points for

• Experience traveling to manage vendors at their sites, willing to travel occasionally
• Experience with molten salt or high temperature systems
• Experience with degassing systems
• Experience with industrial gas/liquid and 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, and cryogenics
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally

$80,000 - $180,000 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.