Principal Engineer – Battery Storage System

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 Principal Engineer – Battery Storage System

Principal Engineer – Battery Storage Systems reporting to the Director of Power Systems in the SPARC team at CFS. Responsible to lead and coordinate complex design projects and interface with cross-function stakeholders while ensuring a high-quality design release that meets specifications, project timelines within budget allocated. The team will evaluate, specify, and collaborate in the development and implementation of battery systems into CFS energy storage systems. You will be the key expert with regards to all technical, deployment and safety aspects of battery storage systems at CFS.

What you'll do:

• Technical ownership & leadership of complex design activities to design, build and deliver battery storage systems design for fusion power
• Design and engineering of battery systems, in collaboration with vendors to maximize consistency and minimize technical and schedule risks
• Expert at defining design criterion, performance criteria, large scale integration and safety standards associated with battery systems
• Spearhead battery system prototype testing at internal labs at CFS and external vendor labs
• Develop test bed at CFS for cyclic, aging and thermal testing of battery systems in conjunction with inductive load including data acquisition, evaluation and documentation
• Lead system integration, installation, commissioning, debugging and operation of battery storage systems with a pragmatic perspective
• Apply experience in test methods to drive design from concept through final testing and commissioning steps including troubleshooting
• Apply core engineering knowledge and experience to design of battery storage system design.
• Interface with cross functional teams with focus on high quality design and implementation
• Support critical procurement contracts & vendor coordination
• Apply best safety practices & compliance standards in design and implementation
• Document design specifications, simulations and test results into engineering reports

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree (or) a Master’s degree with experience in battery or photo voltaic (solar) with battery storage systems (or) related technologies
• 15+ years of experience in battery design, energy storage systems or related fields.
• Proven track record in battery design and field execution (system, protection, control & mechanical integration).
• Experience in deployment of large-scale battery storage systems in the field and being the prime point of contact for field service engineers and troubleshoot issues as they come up
• In-depth knowledge of battery chemistries, thermal management, safety aspects and mechanical systems for energy storage applications.
• Ability to lead a technical team from conception of idea till implementation in a fast-paced environment
• Proven experience with battery management systems (controls, protection & operation) and telemetry systems involved.
• Experience with battery storage systems that are integrated with downstream power conversion systems with ability to tie into the grid
• Experience with modeling, simulation and analysis backed with validation via functional testing
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to conduct design reviews, organize / present results to both expert and non-technical audiences
• Results driven and ability to embrace and convince stakeholders on a change in design direction in pursuit of a high-quality product release

Bonus points for:

• PhD degree with focus on Battery Storage Systems
• Experience in practical application of engineering skills to construction, manufacturing, testing and field installations.
• Experience with mathematical modeling of batteries or experimental work in the field of batteries
• Experience with application of compliance standards to the designs
• Experience in problem solving, root cause analysis and field containment actions.
• Experience with hands on prototype build, prototype testing and documentation of results is a plus.
• Experience with scaling up independent systems to a larger system to meet higher power requirements.

Must-have requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs
• Perform activities such as standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
• Work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics

#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.