Senior Materials Scientist–Radiation Effects in Electronics
Devens, MA
R&D – Materials /
Full-time /
Hybrid
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.
