Join the power movement as Staff Engineer, Controls and Software
As a Staff Controls and Software Engineer, you will be responsible for developing machine and operational concepts in collaboration with R&D staff and engineering peers. You will create a robust system architecture to support all controls components such as PLCs, safety devices, HMIs, servo drives, and more. For each project you will work from initial design all the way through commissioning, operational fine-tuning, and validation to ensure that all systems function reliably and meet their design goals. Additionally, you will work closely with cross-functional teams throughout the entire life cycle of the equipment and its operation. You will work with simulation and test engineers to integrate your designs into software testbeds, hardware testbeds, and the tools.
What you'll do:
- Work closely with R&D team to outline interfaces and requirements for equipment and software operation for equipment control
- Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and balance product specifications, operational control requirements, layout complexity, cost, quality, and lead time limits
- Design, modify, and approve electrical schematics for industrial and test equipment (compliant with NFPA79/NEC/UL508A standards)
- Create machine interactions with plant-wide SCADA to communicate product acceptability, machine status, and operational variables
- Write, and debug PLC structured text with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable. PLC code will interact with subsystems and 3rd party equipment
- Implement (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant) control reliable safety systems for safeguarding industrial equipment
- Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting
- Debug and optimize automated operations to maximize cycle time, improve availability, and yield
- Work with external software contractors to develop the control systems for internal tools (Define requirements, manage priorities, drive testing and implementation plans)
What we’re looking for:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field (e.g., EE, mechatronics, software)
- 10+ years of experience as a controls engineer on complex mechanical systems -- for example: design, construction, and operation of controls for industrial, large-scale equipment
- Hands-on experience with industrial control system implementation, including specifying, building, and commissioning industrial control panels, experience with 480VAC power systems, configuring industrial fieldbus’ and components
- Proficient in AutoCAD Electrical, for schematic and cable designs
- Familiar in structured text programming and the TwinCAT IDE
- Familiar with TwinSAFE safety PLC programming
- PLC programming experience in IEC 611:31-3 languages
- Familiar with modern tools like GitHub and CI/CD release management
- Familiarity with Python
- HMI design, implementation and maintenance
- Inductive Automation’s Ignition platform
Bonus points for:
- Experience with Semiconductor Capital Equipment manufacturing
- Experience with enclosure design compliant with NFPA79/NEC/UL508A standards
- Experience developing and tuning control loops
Must-have requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 50 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
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field
- 10+ years of experience as a controls engineer on complex mechanical systems
- Hands-on experience with industrial control system implementation
- Proficient in AutoCAD Electrical
- Familiar in structured text programming and the TwinCAT IDE
- PLC programming experience in IEC 611:31-3 languages
- Familiar with Inductive Automation's Ignition platform
What We Do
Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy. CFS is collaborating with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with new groundbreaking high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost. CFS is now building SPARC, the world's first commercially relevant, net energy fusion demonstration device. SPARC will pave the way for the first fusion power plant, ARC, that will produce power on the grid. The ultimate mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. 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. If you are interested in joining our team, check out cfs.energy/careers for more information.
