Senior Materials Scientist-Radiation Effects in Electronics @ Commonwealth Fusion Systems

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 radiation effects on electronics relevant to a fusion power plant. Electronics are needed in certain tokamak features, diagnostic instruments, remote handling equipment, and tokamak building equipment. Electronic device materials here may include microprocessors, circuit boards, fuses, interconnects, switches, controllers, or relays and beyond. In addition to neutron and gamma radiation, the electronics may encounter other extreme environments including molten salt exposure and temperatures from cryogenic to elevated. 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 primary expert on radiation effects in electronic device materials to advise groups across CFS
Lead selection, testing, and qualification of electronic components for use in fusion devices
Translate performance requirements into material property specifications and define appropriate test methods
Coordinate the design, fabrication, installation, operation, and analysis of electronic components and materials
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:
o Safety team to manage chemical/mechanical/environmental hazards in existing and New experimental facilities
o Adjacent R&D teams to optimally share pooled resources including equipment and personnel
o Supply chain team to procure new equipment and materials
o Manufacturing team to ensure fabrication methods are scalable

The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of these 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 selecting electronic materials/components for service in radiation environments
Experience with radiation effects on electronics
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 neutron and gamma radiation on materials
Experience with radiation effects on other types of materials such as polymers, ceramics, or metals
Experience communicating or teaching topics in radiation effects on electronics
Experience in electronic component selection for extreme environments
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
#LI-Hybrid

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.

This team member will:

The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of these requirements:

Additional preferred experience and/or qualifications:

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth

Benefits