Lead R&D Technician - Second Shift

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. We’re working with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future. Since 2018, we’ve raised nearly $3 billion in capital, making us the largest and leading private fusion company in the world. 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. Lead R&D Technician The Lead R&D Technician is responsible for leading a fast‑paced and agile team building the world’s strongest high‑temperature superconducting magnets and assemblies. Working with R&D across all aspects of product development, commercialization, and ongoing manufacturing support—including prototype production, production process monitoring, and troubleshooting—the role ensures functional operation and preventative maintenance of equipment and general housekeeping. The R&D Technician team supports the design and build of test equipment with systems including but not limited to electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, magnetic, cryogenic, vacuum, and pressure systems. Responsibilities include close coordination with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and other departments to ensure goals and objectives are met. This individual will cover our Second Shift, 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm. What you’ll do Lead a team in making electromechanical parts and assemblies for R&D to create processes and procedures Maintain daily, weekly, and monthly objectives and communicate them to employees Work within a multidisciplinary team of manufacturing engineers and technicians to develop and qualify new manufacturing techniques and processes Perform and lead prototype hardware builds with minimal documentation and oversight Troubleshoot and resolve discrepancies with a focus on continuous improvement Stakeholder for feedback to supervisor during reviews Assist in building new products or optimizing existing products Prepare product prototypes for internal and/or external customer evaluation to ensure robustness Conduct process monitoring activities, equipment capability & production troubleshooting, identifying, communicating, and implementing viable solutions Maintain accurate records of all projects and assignments Maintain a safe work environment and operate safely Perform other related job duties as assigned by management What we’re looking for Minimum of 2 years’ experience with hand and power tools and general machine shop equipment Experience leading a team of technicians performing project‑based mechanical and electrical assembly work Ability to lead and give direction to a fast‑paced, highly skilled team Desire to work in a fast‑paced, startup R&D environment with daily changes Ability to take directions from supervisors and managers while working independently Excellent written and verbal communication with a team reporting to you on daily and weekly goals Ability to train others in a variety of hands‑on and technical applications Meticulous attention to detail and cleanliness with hands‑on work, keeping continuous improvement in the forefront Ability and patience to work through projects from start to finish, including assembly and testing, keeping your team motivated and engaged Experience with winding equipment of any type is a plus Experience navigating assemblies in 3D CAD software is a plus Experience with lean manufacturing, 5S, and Six Sigma principles Epoxy potting or injection molding experience Cryogenic fluids handling and testing High vacuum leak testing Forklift experience Crane or lifting experience Commitment and ability to communicate safety and quality to your team Bonus points for Ability to read and interpret mechanical assembly drawings, electrical schematics, and P&IDs Minimum of 4 years’ experience in a variety of technical support skills such as mechanical and electrical assembly, plumbing, vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, soldering, and wiring Must‑have Requirements Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs Perform activities such as stooping, typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, high voltage, and cryogenics Willingness to travel or work required nights, weekends, or on‑call occasionally Salary and Benefits $32 – $60 per hour Salary range for this full‑time position + equity + benefits. The actual salary will depend on level, location, qualifications, and experience. 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Commonwealth Fusion Systems LLC