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Commonwealth Fusion Systems is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join the Fuel Cycle and Blanket Development Team. This role focuses on designing and delivering molten salt (FLiBe) process systems to advance fusion energy technology. You will lead the design of fluid process systems at varying scales, develop specifications for high-temperature molten salt equipment (vessels, tanks, valves, pumps, piping systems), and serve as the technical lead interfacing with suppliers and construction teams for procurement, installation, and commissioning.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead and contribute to design of fluid process systems for testing at multiple scales
- Develop specifications and designs of high-temperature molten salt process equipment including ASME tanks, heat exchangers, piping systems, and gas processing equipment
- Serve as technical lead interfacing with external suppliers and construction teams
- Support fixed equipment mechanical reliability at later project stages
- Support pipe stress evaluations with piping stress engineers
- Collaborate across CFS teams to incorporate R&D learnings into component designs
- Engage with suppliers, contractors, and internal teams to prioritize safety
- Track projects against milestones and report progress
The Fuel Cycle and Blanket Development Team is addressing significant technical challenges related to high operating temperatures, corrosion modes, and chemistry control required for long-term fusion goals. You will work collaboratively with internal teams and key external partners to reach ambitious technical targets while maintaining CFS's strong engineering culture of carrying appropriate engineering risk while aggressively managing safety risk.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent
- 8+ years of work experience
- Detailed knowledge of ASME BPVC and B31.3 and their application to process equipment and piping systems design
- Design experience with industrial-scale fixed equipment
- Design experience with higher-temperature equipment and components
- Experience managing external partners and suppliers
- Design experience for hazardous fluid service
- Familiarity with P&IDs, CAD, process flow diagrams, and analysis (heat and mass balances)
- Strong commitment to safety-prioritized design and work environments
- Ability to learn new skills and subject matter quickly
- Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs and perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods
- Willingness to occasionally travel to suppliers and support commissioning/test activities
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience at a refinery, chemical plant, or heavy industrial facility
- Familiarity with design/construction codes and standards (ASME Section I, ASME Section VIII, API 510, API 570, API 579)
- Experience with corrosive fluid systems
- Experience with rotating equipment design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and reliability
- Experience with molten salt systems
- Experience with electrochemical systems
- Analysis of pipe stress and support systems
- Analysis of vessel nozzle loads and stresses
- CAD software proficiency
