The role of a Test Engineer is to seamlessly flex between multiple disciplines and groups to effectively execute tests and projects on aggressive schedules supporting Commonwealth Fusion System’s mission. This engineer will be primarily responsible for testing and retiring risks for CFS’ HTS magnets. They must have a fundamental understanding of mechanical, electrical, materials, fluids and software engineering, or some combination thereof. This role in particular emphasizes electrical power systems used to test HTS magnets. They will be responsible for the design, analysis, build, commissioning and maintenance of high current and high voltage electrical equipment. They must work collaboratively across manufacturing, R&D, procurement, and SPARC teams to achieve their test campaigns. It is also the role of the test engineer to constantly push and challenge the requirements, risks, and test objectives that they are given to help the combined stakeholders come to a consensus on why the planned test is required and what data is deemed essential for the outcome to be achieved.
Design, analyze, review, procure and build test equipment for energizing superconducting magnets
Contribute to ground-up design of electrical testing infrastructure in new testing facilities
Develop test plans highlighting the test objectives, key data that are needed and the instrumentation and controls necessary to obtain this data. Ensure data is reliable
Understand, challenge and maintain well-documented requirements and risks for the system or component under test
Identify and mitigate safety hazards associated with test equipment. Produce safety documentation such as job hazard assessments and test readiness reviews
Maintain documentation, schedule and budgets for the test campaign. Documentation includes: design reviews, wiring lists, P&IDs, schematics, CAD assemblies, drawings, and operations software
Troubleshoot and resolve integration and test discrepancies during build, commissioning and operation
Iterate on designs, equipment and operations for repeat tests to improve test efficiency
Perform analyses for the system predicting results and develop custom tools to analyze generated data. Compile test results clearly for review
Lead anomaly investigations and their resolution, and present results to a team of physicists and engineers
Execute plans for future expansion, including capital equipment and floor layouts, always having a vision for scalability of systems into a larger context. Provide visions for multi-use test infrastructure that can be scaled for multiple applications
Bachelor's degree in engineering or science field is required; electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or similar, or applied physics degree
5+ years experience designing/building/commissioning specialized electrical apparatus or equipment
2+ years using electrical analysis software such as PLECS, LTSPICE, ETAP, Simulink or similar
Aptitude for applying electromagnetic fundamentals to understand system behavior, such as: parasitic inductance/capacitance, EMI coupling, dielectric breakdown, etc
Familiarity with electrical standards such as building codes (NEC/NFPA 70), personnel safety (OSHA, NFPA 70E), equipment safety standards (IEC, IEEE, etc)
Experience working with high-power electronics, such as rectifiers, DC/DC converters, inverters, etc
Experience working with stored energy devices such as batteries and supercapacitors
Excellent troubleshooting/problem-solving skills with great attention to detail
Strong desire to improve efficiency and throughput of processes
Effective at communicating technical topics to both technical and non-technical audiences
High self-motivation and drive to execute quickly
A can-do attitude and an eagerness to learn
Collaboration skills including active listening and facilitating a productive discourse on problems
Ability to innovate creative solutions to challenging problems
Willingness to challenge the status quo in search of better, more efficient methods
Experience with designing and commissioning new test facilities
Experience with developing and executing test procedures
Experience with thermal or electromagnetic FEA software.
Experience using NX and Teamcenter to manage CAD assemblies
Experience with schematic or PCB design software such as AutoCAD, SkyCAD, Altium, etc
Experience with high field magnet testing traditional or superconducting
Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics
Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
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.
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.