About Commonwealth Fusion Systems:
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 we're working with policymakers, suppliers, and many others to build the energy industry of the future.
We’re in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we’ve raised $4 billion of capital, making us the largest and leading fusion company in the world.
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 Molten Salt Engineer
Salt chemistry is a critical driver of corrosion, hydrogen speciation, and material behavior under irradiation. As the Blanket System team scales up to larger systems, maintaining precise control over salt chemistry is vital. We are seeking an entry-level Molten Salt Engineer to support our experimental testing operations. Initially, you will focus on executing standard operating procedures (SOPs), conducting routine materials testing, and maintaining rigorous quality controls. As you build familiarity with our systems, your role will expand to include experimental design, test cell design and construction, and leading projects in materials corrosion and blanket health monitoring. Ideal candidates will have a background in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related discipline.
The Blanket System team has a strong culture of teamwork, supportive safety culture, and pragmatic risk management. We are looking for an engineer who will fit and actively contribute to this culture.
What you'll do:
Assist in the creation of new in-house experimental setups, including determination of requirements, fabrication, testing, and operation
Perform salt characterization testing and work to improve the repeatability and robustness of these processes
Perform calibration exercises for various tests, including electrochemical ones
Analyze and synthesize heterogeneous sets of data to thoroughly characterize salt quality
Contribute to creation of chemical system requirements and material requirements
Support experiments and in-loop testing for salt-compatible components (e.g. pumps, valves, heat exchangers)
Work with external vendors to procure new equipment and materials
Work closely with other CFS teams including:
safety team to manage chemical hazards (including beryllium) in existing and new experimental test articles
ARC Design Team
What we're looking for:
BS in Chemistry, Chemical, Materials or Nuclear Engineering or a related field
5+ years of experience in an R&D environment (PhD program counts)
Experience with R&D work in a chemical laboratory
Experience in experimental design and analysis with the explicit goal of driving to higher component and system TRLs
Experience working with safety systems for hazardous chemicals
Experience with modeling tools, such as Calphad, FactSage, Comsol, or similar (preferred, not required)
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
Bonus points for:
PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related field
Experience with electrochemistry or electrochemical engineering
Experience with radiochemistry
Experience with molten salt systems, particularly fluoride salt systems
Experience with high temperature and/or corrosive systems
Experience with gas handling systems and gas analysis
Experience modeling chemical systems (e.g. reaction, transport, thermodynamic, radiochemical)
Experience in setting up new laboratory facilities or new analysis equipment (e.g. GCs)
Must-have requirements:
Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
Perform activities such as sitting, typing, standing, stooping, or climbing 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
