EMI and Grounding Lead
Devens, MA
SPARC Team – Instrumentation and Controls /
Full-time /
On-site
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.
With thousands of amps controlled at high rates through our magnets, millions of amps in the plasma, millions of watts in the antennas, and an array of high-voltage diagnostic instrumentation, tokamaks represent a challenging EMI and grounding environment for measurement and control systems. CFS seeks an experienced EMI and grounding lead to navigate this environment. This pivotal role is responsible for driving the successful development and implementation of the EMI and grounding strategy for the SPARC tokamak and plant systems. This role will address the intricate challenges associated with grounding in the context of the SPARC project and ensuring that the system is robust, efficient, and compliant with relevant standards and existing strategies.
This team member will:
- Lead the development and issuance of electromagnetic interference / electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC) and electrostatic discharge (ESD) control plans. Ensure that these plans align with project goals and contribute to the overall EMC strategy.
- Contribute to the definition and scoping of the SPARC grounding guidelines and rules of thumb used as a rationale and basis for design and testing decisions. Provide expertise to ensure that these guidelines align with project objectives and industry best practices.
- Conduct detailed assessments of dielectric withstand voltage requirements, providing clear rationales and developing corresponding test methods and acceptance criteria. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure that requirements are optimized, avoiding overly conservative specifications that can impede design and procurement.
- Design, review, and implement a comprehensive Ground Fault Monitoring scheme. Coordinate closely with affected stakeholders to ensure effective integration and operation.
- Oversee grounding and bonding checkouts as part of the local system installation and commissioning process and, when necessary, during procurement and manufacturing. This includes specifying an overall plan and providing guidance and support to system responsible engineers in the development of procedures and test cases.
- Lead efforts related to facility grounding network quality. This includes verification of the lightning protection system and the inspection of or changes to facility grounding hardware as required for compliance and safety.
- Troubleshoot, debug, or diagnose potential EMI during qualification testing and commissioning of SPARC and CFS-2 components and systems
The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of these requirements:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
- 5+ years of EMCI/EMI, grounding, electrical bonding, and shielding focused or related electrical engineering work on a large facility level engineering project
- Experience with PCB level EMI design and debugging, at both schematic and layout level
- In-depth knowledge of EMI/EMC, ESD, voltage transients, and ground fault monitoring principles and practices for a wide variety of voltages and types of systems
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to address complex EMI and grounding challenges
- Troubleshoot time-sensitive EMI and grounding issues as they arise during the integration and commissioning of SPARC
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams
- Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulations, including but not limited to: NEC, 47 CFR Part 15/18, NFPA 780, and IEC 61000 series
- Advanced knowledge and experience with common EMC test equipment – active and passive probes, resistance meters, spectrum analyzers, EMI receivers, VNAs, LISNs, RF amplifiers, etc.
- EMI/EMI Simulation analysis tools: SPICE, EDA software, Matlab, Python
Additional experience and/or qualifications:
- Experience working on electromagnets, particle accelerators, tokamaks, or other fusion related facilities
- Experience in large construction projects, including design documentation and construction administration
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
- Perform activities such as typing, stooping, standing, climbing or sitting for extended periods of time
- Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
- Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics
- #LI-Onsite
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.
