Senior Equipment Engineer
Milpitas, CA
Superconductor – Superconductor R&D /
Full-time /
On-site
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 Senior Equipment Engineer - R&D & Pilot Line Vacuum Deposition (Sputtering & Evaporation)
We’re looking for a hands-on Equipment Engineer to join our R&D and pilot-line team and help build the next generation of thin-film deposition technology. The Equipment Engineer will be responsible for supporting, maintaining, and improving high-vacuum sputtering and evaporation systems used in R&D and pilot-line operations. This role requires strong technical expertise, procedural discipline, and the ability to collaborate across engineering and operations functions to ensure safe, reliable, and high-performance equipment operation. If you enjoy working on complex equipment, mentoring others, and solving problems in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, this is your opportunity to make an impact.
What you'll do:
- Lead installation, startup, commissioning, and qualification of sputtering and evaporation systems, including vendor factory acceptance testing (FAT)
- Develop and maintain procedures including SOPs, PM schedules, and LOTO documentation in compliance with OSHA, SEMI, and internal standards
- Train and mentor equipment technicians in safe operation, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance of deposition tools
- Collaborate with process engineers, design engineers, and facilities teams to drive improvements in equipment performance, reliability, and integration
- Perform root cause analysis and corrective actions for complex equipment issues
- Implement upgrades, retrofits, and reliability improvements with coordination across vendors and internal stakeholders
- Track equipment uptime, maintenance history, and performance metrics for continuous improvement
- Ensure strict adherence to safety standards and support EHS initiatives
What we’re looking for:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, or related engineering field (or equivalent practical experience)
- 5+ years of experience with semiconductor or thin-film deposition equipment, specifically sputtering and evaporation
- Strong background in vacuum systems (HV/UHV), pumps (roughing, turbo, cryo), gauges, and leak detection
- Demonstrated ability to write and implement procedures (SOPs, PMs, LOTO)
- Hands-on experience with equipment startup, commissioning, and qualification
- Proven ability to train and support technical staff
- Effective cross-functional communicator with strong troubleshooting skills
- Commitment to safety, reliability, and documentation discipline
Bonus points for:
- Experience in R&D or pilot-line environments
- Experience with magnetron sputtering sources, evaporation sources (thermal or e-beam), and high-vacuum chamber design
- Familiarity with process gases, cryogenics, or thermal control systems
- Knowledge of automation platforms (Beckhoff, Siemens) or data acquisition systems
- Proficiency with CAD (NX preferred) or basic design review capability
- Prior experience in FAT/SAT processes and vendor equipment qualification
- Prior success building first-of-kind or experimental tools for material science or semiconductor R&D
Must-have Requirements:
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
- Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, 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
$110,000 - $185,000 a year
Salary range for this full-time position + equity + benefits. The actual salary will depend on level, location, qualifications, and experience. The range displayed on each job posting reflects new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Benefits include:
• Competitive compensation with equity
• 12.5 Company-wide Holidays
• Flexible vacation days
• 10 sick days
• Generous parental leave policy
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Professional growth opportunities
• Team-building activities
#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.
