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 Real-Time Controls Software Engineer will be responsible for the design, debug, and implementation of the software and controls of advanced R&D equipment and complex machinery. As a member of the controls software team you will be a hands-on technical contributor and a champion of writing excellent quality, operation-ready code for mission-critical real-time systems. You will collect functional requirements from customers and produce software solutions to meet these requirements. You will work with simulation and test engineers to integrate your software into software testbeds, hardware testbeds, and industrial tools.
This team member will:
- Work within a multi-disciplinary and proven team of top scientists and engineers
- Specify, write, and test control software for advanced industrial equipment
- Own the specification, design, testing, and implementation of key systems such as interlocks, sensors and actuators, higher level tool control and user interface programming
- Work closely with R&D team to outline interfaces and requirements for equipment and software operation for equipment control
- Engage with mechanical and electrical engineers on concepts, designs, and test plans by providing data acquisition and controls as needed
- Work with external software contractors to develop the control systems for internal tools (Define requirements, manage priorities, drive testing and implementation plans)
The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of these requirements:
- At least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field (e.g., mecatronics, software)
- 3+ years of experience as software engineer on complex mechanical systems -- for example: design, construction, and operation of controls for industrial, large-scale equipment
- Working knowledge of Python, C++, C and other high-level languages along with modern tools like github and CI/CD release management
- Broad embedded system software development experience including bare-metal code, driver development, OS platform development, and real-time application development
- Experience with fieldbus systems such as EtherCAT
- Experience developing and tuning control loops
- Demonstrated ability to conceive novel solutions to challenging problems
- Experience with specification generation and suppler engagement
- C++, Python (compiled systems programming and interpreted scripting languages) in Linux environment
- Networking (IP/UDP/TCP)
- Software/hardware interfaces (ADCs/DACs, quarts, ethernet, etc.)
- Knowledge of interlock systems and methods that conform to NFPA 79 and SEMI S2
- High self-motivation and drive to execute quickly with excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Additional experience and/or qualifications:
- Low-latency network communication
- Design for manufacturability, serviceability, and simplicity over complexity
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
- Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, 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-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.
