Cryogenic Engineer

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 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 a Cryogenic Engineer 

The SPARC facility is intended to be the world’s first net-energy fusion device. It features a 30kW at 10K equivalent cryogenics (CRYO) plant to provide cooling to high-temperature superconducting (HTS magnets) and other critical components within the reactor. Within CRYO, the cryodistribution (CRYD) system consists of a 30-ft distribution box and up to 30” outer diameter vacuum-jacketed lines to remove and convey heat generated within the reactor to the cryoplant (CRYP). The cryoplant (CRYP) rejects the heat to the SPARC cooling water system.

The CRYD System enables direct delivery, storage, release, recapture, and recool of cryogenic helium at large flow rates through the HTS magnets during the highest power fusion pulses. The system consists of a distribution box, series of large cryogenic tanks, valves, and VJLs, with a dedicated controls system. 

The CRYD Cryogenic Engineer will be responsible for delivery of final, minor procurements, and completion of key aspects of the final three months of system install, as well as multiple months of functional testing and commissioning of the SPARC CRYD System in order to meet technical requirements, on-time and on-budget. 

• Provide daily on-site management of the CRYD mechanical install contractor. Reviewing and often times generating complex install operation plans and procedures, overseeing complex physical install work on a daily basis to: respond to questions immediately, troubleshoot issues immediately, and ensure correctness of the work. Recent examples of past issues resolved (as illustration of future issues to be resolved in this role): blowdown tank riser support trunions misalignment and rectification, VJL inner pipe support detachments: diagnosis, evaluation, and subsequent removal; basement interference with turnaround tool and complex VJL rig to install turnaround tool; VJL<>turnaround tool o-ring extrusion; LN2 Skid insufficient insulation; Bypass Skid interface point switch evaluation and recommendation.
• Plan and execute CRYD mechanical install work (e.g. flange assemblies, tubing, insulation) to reduce schedule risk and contractor cost. Recent examples of install work (as illustration of expected install work to be done in this role): blowdown tank top head blind flange, at-grade flange installs. 
• Manage CRYD I&C install (e.g. control cabinets, instrumentation panels/flanges, probe assemblies and wire harnesses) through daily oversight and resolution of issues. Recent examples of I&C issues resolved (as illustration of expected I&C issues to resolve in this role): CRYD cabinet modification to address wiring space issue. 
• Plan and execute on-site functional testing. Recent example of functional testing (as illustration of expected functional testing to resolve in this role): solenoid valve assembly test. 
• Manage some last CRYD procurements (e.g. LHe offload cart, CRYD warm low pressure skid) through troubleshooting issues and guiding key decisions, traveling to supplier sites to catalyze progress and prevent witness point delays, generation, review, and witnessing of supplier test plans. 
• Plan and execute CRYD pre-commissioning tasks (e.g. engineering support of I&C loop checks; cycling of manual, solenoid, remote shutoff and control valves; verify pressure and temperature transducers; test relief valves).
• Plan and execute CRYD commissioning tasks (e.g. leak checks at MAWP; demonstration of flow, pressure, temperature controls; demonstration of PLC command/control; helium pump-and-purge to get system to purity; LN2 shield flow testing; warm gas circulation).
• Plan and execute CRYP<>CRYD commissioning tasks (e.g. demonstration of CRYD performance supporting SPARC operating modes; measure and manage helium leakage; measure CRYD heat loads and hydraulic performance; tee-in/tee-out of key interfacing systems).
• Identify, communicate, and manage key CRYD System risks. Develop efficient derisking strategies and plans. Tee-up, make, and document key system decisions and learnings. Understand and serve SPARC, CRYO, and CRYD team objectives. Drive uncertainty to clarity, proactively fill responsibility vacuums, prioritize work thoughtfully, provide recommendations, make decisions, set and hold due dates, drive outstanding items to completion, learn and improve, and be a great teammate, upholding the highest standards of good-faith collaboration, adhering to the Goals & Expectations of the SPARC CRYO team. 
• Maintain versatility and a broad understanding of the CRYO and CRYD programs. Provide specific and actionable feedback, make recommendations. Support other CRYO priorities as necessary.
• Comply with CFS design control processes, documenting design developments in written files, arranging for check and review of design development files, and submitting design development files into M-Files 

• Bachelors in Mechanical, Chemical, Thermal or Process Engineering
• 2+ years of experience in the engineering of large-scale, integrated thermofluid systems, from conceptual design through field commissioning
• Experience developing specifications for thermofluid components, e.g. blowers, tanks, control valves
• Experience traveling to manage vendors at their sites, willing to travel occasionally
• Experience using engineering analysis tools: ANSYS, COMSOL, 1D compressible flow code, MATLAB, Simulink
• Knowledge of ASME BPVC, ASME B31.3, NFPA 70E and ASTM Standards
• Proficiency of a CAD software system, e.g. NX, CREO, AVEVA
• Experience with safety systems and protocols, e.g. LOTO, Confined Space, Fall Protection, JHA, MSDS, PPE

• 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, and cryogenics
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
• #LI-Hybrid

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.