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Staff Process Engineer

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Job Location:

Devens, MA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 152000 - 230000

Posted: 30 October 2026 (17 hours ago)

Application Deadline: 27 January 2027

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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 were designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And were working with policymakers suppliers and many others to build the energy industry of the future.

Were in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018 weve raised $4 billion of capital making us the largest and leading fusion company in the world.

Now were looking for more thinkers doers builders and makers to join us. People wholl bring new perspectives solve tough problems and thrive as part of a team.

If thats you and this role fits we want to hear from you.

Join the power movement as a Staff Process Engineer

CFS is looking for a Staff Process Engineer with deep chemical engineering fundamentals and extensive experience scaling up commissioning and operating systems in large industrial facilities (e.g. power generation LNG petrochemicals or cryogenics). You excel at navigating loosely-defined outcomes translating fundamental requirements into practical industrial systems and guiding complex designs from early concepts through Front-End Loading (FEL) detailed engineering construction and operation.

Fusion power plants bring together technologies that traditionally span multiple industries. At CFS you will work across cryogenics (nitrogen and helium) power generation (steam) molten salts (FLiBe) fueling (deuterium-tritium) gas processing vacuum systems and utilities. Acting as a domain expert you will apply real world hands-on experience to build process design bases from scratch for ambiguous projects develop heat and material balances size equipment own P&IDs lead HAZOPs support start-up and troubleshoot operating systems.

What youll do:

Own the process engineering scope for complex systems with loosely-defined outcomes guiding them from early concept through operation with near complete independence
Translate fundamental engineering requirements into commercially viable systems navigating semi-ambiguous challenges to develop process design bases operating envelopes PFDs heat/material and utility balances P&IDs and process datasheets
Apply chemical engineering fundamentals (thermodynamics phase equilibrium fluid mechanics heat and mass transfer transport phenomena reaction engineering separations and process control) to resolve complex technical challenges and define operating boundaries
Develop steady-state and dynamic process models using engineering analysis to guide process design system architecture and equipment selection
Size specify and evaluate process equipment working directly with suppliers fabricators and internal multidisciplinary teams to evaluate technical tradeoffs (performance safety cost)
Drive engineering through a phase-gated design process progressively maturing systems from conceptual to engineering definition
Lead process safety activities including HAZOPs design reviews and relief/depressurization studies and develop control philosophies and interlocks in collaboration with controls engineers
Support field execution by generating detailed work and commissioning plans test procedures and start-up strategies actively participating in system commissioning and performance testing
Troubleshoot operating equipment using first-principles engineering and field data translating lessons learned into process improvements new tools and department policies
Provide technical leadership manage medium-to-large project risks by driving solutions and mentorless-experienced engineers on complex process engineering problems

What were looking for:

Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering (or closely related discipline)
10 years of relevant industrial process engineering experience (potentially fewer if a PhD) or equivalent demonstrated depthof experience
Demonstrated deep domain expertise (or broad expertise across domains) with a proven ability to independently own complex semi-ambiguous work seekingsupport only when needed
Strong command of chemical engineering fundamentals and a proven track record taking systems through a structured FEL or phase-gated development process
Experience scaling up loosely-defined process requirements into commercial-scale equipment and facilities
Deep expertise developing core process engineering deliverables (design bases PFDs P&IDs heat/material balances) andsizing/selecting industrial process equipment
Hands-on experience commissioning operating and troubleshooting physical equipment alongside operators using field observations to diagnose performance
Proficiency with process simulation tools (e.g. EcoSim Aspen HYSYS/Plus AVEVA) and extensive experience applying industry codes and standards (such as ASME B31.3ASME BPVC Section VIII API 520/521) to establish process design boundaries fluid service classifications operating envelopes and relief/depressurization cases
Strong background in process safety hazard identification and risk analysis (e.g. HAZOP) and relief system design
Experience integrating cross-functional engineering disciplines and working directly with vendors EPC organizations or construction contractors
Ability to independently manage medium risks drive solutions for larger project risks and exercise strong engineering judgment to ensure practical commercially viable designs
Values that align with our companys values of integrity execution impact and self-critique

Bonus points for:

Experience with large-scale cryogenic systems (particularly supercritical or liquid helium) and industrial high-vacuum systems
Background in large-scale process facilities (power generation petrochemical LNG industrial gases nuclear)
Expertise in steam systems molten salt systems or industrial gas processing (purification separation fueling)
Experience with large-scale utilities (cooling water chilled water compressed/instrument air nitrogen)
Track record of scaling first-of-a-kind technologies from pilot/demonstration scale to commercial operation
Experience with dynamic process simulation and consequence analysis
Licensed as a Professional Engineer

Must-have requirements:

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally
Perform activities such as stooping climbing typing standing and sitting for extended periods of time
Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call including occasional travel to suppliers contractors or operating facilities
Willingness and ability to work hands-on in industrial construction commissioning and operating environments
Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include heat cold noise fumes strong magnets lead high voltage high current pressure systems vacuum systems hazardous materials and cryogenics

$152000 - $230000 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

#LI-Onsite

At CFS we excel in fast-paced environments driven by our values of integrity execution impact and self-critique. As we grow were 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.

Required Experience:

Staff IC

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