Staff Systems Engineer

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

$130K — $200K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Systems, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering or equivalent industrial experience
  • 12+ years of experience in operating or designing complex R&D systems
  • Proven ability to integrate hardware and software, especially motor-controlled environments
  • Practical experience with vacuum architecture and thermal management systems
  • High proficiency in troubleshooting and using diagnostic equipment
  • Experience in project accounting and managing build schedules
  • Exceptional communication skills across diverse engineering disciplines

Responsibilities

  • Act as the primary technical owner for critical subsystems
  • Lead hands-on operation and troubleshooting of electromechanical and software issues
  • Facilitate technical discussions among Mechanical, Electrical, and Software teams
  • Maintain comprehensive equipment specifications and system requirements
  • Create and manage detailed project schedules and budgets
  • Implement engineering workflows and operational SOPs
  • Report program progress and budget variances to stakeholders

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation with equity
  • 13 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
Full Job Description
Join the power movement as a Staff Systems Engineer

We're looking for a Systems Engineer to join our R&D team to serve as the primary Systems Engineer. You will be responsible for the seamless integration and operation of complex machinery, ensuring that mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems work in harmony.
This role requires a unique blend of technical "tool-sense" and program management. You will be the technical authority for critical utility subsystems, the primary troubleshooter during commissioning, and the lead communicator across functional engineering groups (mechanical, electrical, and controls).

What you'll do:

  • Ownership: Act as the primary technical owner for critical subsystems, including vacuum pumps, chillers, and gas delivery modules owning Process and Instrumentation Diagrams, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, and general equipment layouts
  • Troubleshooting & Operation: Lead the hands-on operation of the equipment; identify, diagnose, and resolve complex electromechanical and software issues during R&D cycles
  • Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead technical discussions and bridge gaps between Mechanical (ME), Electrical (EE), and Software (SW) teams to ensure system-level cohesion
  • Technical Specifications and Requirements: Author and maintain comprehensive equipment specifications and system requirements for new and existing R&D platforms
  • Program Management: Create and manage detailed project schedules and budgets to ensure equipment upgrades and installations stay on track
  • Standardize Best Practices: Implement and maintain engineering workflows and operational SOPs, using semiconductor standards as your guide
  • Project Accountability: Report on program progress, and budget variances to key stakeholders


What we're looking for:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Systems, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent industrial experience)
  • 12+ years of experience in the operation, integration, or design of complex R&D systems or semiconductor manufacturing equipment
  • Proven ability to manage the interfaces between hardware and software, specifically in motor-controlled and sensor-heavy environments
  • Practical experience managing vacuum architecture (pumps, gauges, leak detection) and thermal management systems (chillers, heat exchangers)
  • High proficiency in tool troubleshooting; comfortable using diagnostic equipment and navigating software control interfaces
  • Demonstrated experience in project accounting and the use of scheduling software to manage complex equipment builds
  • Exceptional ability to lead meetings and translate complex technical requirements across different engineering disciplines
  • Experience leading in a matrixed environment, driving consensus among diverse functional groups


Bonus points for:

  • Semiconductor Background: manufacturing or high-end R&D environment.
  • Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with SEMI, ASME, and safety standards for vacuum and high-voltage equipment.
  • Control Systems: Understanding of PLC or custom software control logic for industrial automation.


Must-have requirements:

  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally
  • Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, standing, 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, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics


$130,000 - $200,000 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

13 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

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