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 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 nearly $3 billion in capital, making us the largest and leading private 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 Materials Test Operator

The Materials Department at CFS is looking for a materials test operator to support our mechanical testing and characterization laboratory. Materials at CFS supports the design and engineering of all components needed for fusion systems and high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets. Working closely with the team lead, the materials test operator provides continuous support for both industry-standard and customized mechanical testing—including tensile, compression, flexural, shear, and fatigue. This role balances rigorous mechanical data acquisition and equipment operation with essential metallographic specimen preparation and microscopy. The operator is responsible for communication with internal stakeholders, detailed data reporting, equipment maintenance, and production line support. Laboratory capabilities include, but are not limited to: mechanical testing (Universal Testing Machines such as Instron, Load Cells, Extensometers), metallographic specimen polishing and preparation, microscopy, heat treatments, magnetic property evaluation, and other thermophysical tests.

What you'll do:

Prepare test specimens and performs laboratory experiments
Continuous improvement in the materials test and characterization laboratory
Support inventory management on consumable/spare parts and report up for purchasing
Execution of materials test Jira tickets and QBench orders in accordance with the standard operating procedures
Operating industry standard and customized materials testing and characterization equipment, processes, and test methods
Conducting materials testing independently under the input from a materials test engineer including data management and reporting
Mechanical testing includes destructive testing (Tensile, Compression, Flexural, Shear, Peel, and Fatigue) using Instron Universal Testing Machines, and other custom testing in extreme environments over a range of temperatures
Utilizing instrumentation including Load Cells, Torque Wrenches, Extensometers, Strain Gauges, Calipers, and Micrometers to ensure accurate data acquisition
Materials characterization includes metallographic sample preparation (cutting, grinding, polishing), microscopy, hardness testing, magnetic and electrical testing
Support in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment, including equipment calibration and alignment for effective usage
Assembling custom fixturing and test stands to meet unique R&D requirements.
Ability and desire to work on multiple, different assignments
Flexibility to adapt to changes in lab operations, priorities, and schedules
Maintain rigorous documentation with attention to detail, ensuring data integrity and effective troubleshooting throughout the test lifecycle
Comfortable with performing repeated tests while still maintaining test quality
Perform other related job duties as assigned by management

What we're looking for:

High school diploma/equivalency certificate or higher
Minimum 2 years experience with with basic materials prep and testing tools
Minimum 2 years experience with a variety of technical support skills including but not limited to mechanical and electrical assembly, vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, soldering, and wiring
Participate in and promote CFS’ safety procedures and policies
Desire to work in a fast-paced R&D environment with daily changes
Meticulous attention to detail
Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, technical staff and others
Ability to rapidly execute short turnaround materials testing tasks
Strong problem solving skills, ability to approach new problems with creativity
Strong written and oral communications skills & techniques.
Effective root cause analysis and problem-solving skills
Proficient PC skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Ability to comply, interpret and support procedures, work rules, and protocols

Bonus points for:

Experience with Instron-based mechanical test systems, Bluehill and Wavematrix software is a plus
Testing to industry or international standards (e.g. ASTM D638, ASTM E8, ISO)
Experience working with cryogens such as Liquid Nitrogen and Liquid Helium
Experience with strain-gage application
Experience using electrical test devices
Experience with metallographic sample preparationand analysis
Experience with hazardous chemical use and management
Experience with vacuum systems
Experience operating shop equipment including horizontal band saws, drill presses, grinders/sanders, etc
Ability to follow engineering procedures andinstructions
Understands materials testing and characterization
equipment operations and processes.

Must-have requirements:

Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs

Perform activities such as 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, metallographic Etchants and cryogenics

Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally

#LI-Onsite

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.

Materials Test Operator

Key skills

About this role

What you'll do:

What we're looking for:

Bonus points for:

Must-have requirements: