Materials Test Operator

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 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.

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

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

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.

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

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