Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS)

Senior Controls Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA, US

In-personFull time roleSenior Level

About 1 month ago

About the Job

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 over $2 billion in capital – more than any other fusion energy company in the U.S.

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 Controls Software Engineer

As a Controls Engineer, you will be responsible for developing machine and operational concepts in collaboration with R&D staff and engineering peers. You will create a robust system architecture to support all controls components such as PLCs, safety devices, HMIs, servo drives, and more. For each project you will work from initial design all the way through commissioning, operational fine-tuning, and validation to ensure that all systems function reliably and meet their design goals. Additionally, you will work closely with cross-functional teams throughout the entire life cycle of the equipment and its operation. You will work with simulation and test engineers to integrate your software into software testbeds, hardware testbeds, and the tools.

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.

What you'll do:

Work closely with R&D team to outline interfaces and requirements for equipment and software operation for equipment control
Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and balance product specifications, operational control requirements, layout complexity, cost, quality, and lead time limits
Write, and debug PLC structured text with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable. PLC code will interact with subsystems and 3rd party equipment
Implement (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant) control reliable safety systems for safeguarding industrial equipment
Design, modify, and approve electrical schematics for industrial and test equipment (compliant with NFPA79/NEC/UL508A standards)
Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting
Create machine interactions with plant-wide SCADA to communicate product acceptability, machine status, and operational variables
Debug and optimize automated operations to maximize cycle time, improve availability, and yield
Work with external software contractors to develop the control systems for internal tools (Define requirements, manage priorities, drive testing and implementation plans)

What we’re looking for:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field (e.g., EE, mechatronics, software)
5+ years of experience as a controls engineer on complex mechanical systems --for example: design, construction, and operation of controls for industrial, large-scale equipment
Proficient in structured text
PLC programming experience in IEC 611:31-3 languages
Familiar with modern tools like GitHub and CI/CD release management
Familiarity with Python
HMI design, implementation and maintenance

Bonus points for:

Inductive Automation’s Ignition platform
Experience in Beckhoff and Siemens controls platforms
Experience with cable and harness design using AutoCAD Electrical
Experience with enclosure design compliant with NFPA79/NEC/UL508A standards
Experience developing and tuning control loops

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

#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.

About the Company

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS)

Cambridge, MA, USA

51-100

<p>The world needs a fundamentally new source of clean energy to meet our growing energy demands and combat climate change. Scientists have been studying fusion for decades and have made significant progress, but have yet to achieve its potential as a commercial power source. However, its promise has continued to drive interest with the understanding that successfully deployed fusion power would transform the world’s energy landscape.</p> <p>Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) was spun out of MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center to leverage the decades of fusion research combined with the innovation and speed of the private sector. Supported by the world’s leading investors in breakthrough energy technologies, the CFS team is uniquely positioned to deliver the fastest path to commercial fusion energy. CFS has assembled a world-class team to design and build fusion machines. This team includes experts in magnets, manufacturing, and plasma physics dedicated to the mission of delivering clean, limitless fusion power to the world.</p>

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