Commonwealth Fusion Systems is hiring a
Principal Molten Salt Component Specialist

Summary

Join our team at Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) as we work towards commercial fusion energy. We're looking for a dedicated senior engineer to support the design of molten salt systems components and de-risk the technology for ARC's power plant.

Requirements

• BS in Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum, or Nuclear Engineering or a related field
• Graduate degree in an engineering or applied science discipline is preferred
• 10+ years of molten salt system design
• Deep knowledge of severe service applications with challenging chemical compatibility necessitating non-standard materials of construction
• Experience designing molten salt test stands, testing and validating pump, valve and instrument performances
• Hands-on engineering experience with fluid systems and rotating machines
• Experience with design, development, and manufacturing for molten salt pumps, valve and instruments
• Understanding of the vendor landscape
• Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include molten salt chemical hazards, high temperature, and strong magnetic fields

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on the design of molten salt systems components (pumps, valves, instruments, HXRs, tanks, heaters, etc.) for ARC
• Support the critical material selections, for both mechanical and static components
• Support the design, construction, commissioning and operations of demonstration facilities capable of de-risking system architecture, system & component performances, maintenance, lifetime, chemical compatibility, etc
• Plan and execute the development campaigns needed for novel molten salt system components, lead the strategy for co-development with vendors
• Identify vendors capable of supporting a co-development effort, coordinate and manage vendors to ensure consistent alignment throughout the component development process
• Support procurement of existing molten salt component products
• Develop operating procedures and test plans, identifying test objectives, key data needed, and the requirements and approaches for testing at both system and equipment levels
• Ensure facility designs are capable of evaluating prototype molten salt pumps, valves and instrumentation for performance curves, sealing, lifespan, and response to operating modes
• Interpret and consolidate experimental test data; prepare technical presentations and briefing them to technical leadership teams, vendors, and Independent Engineering reviewers
• Provide high-level technical guidance and support to resolve complex design issues, ensuring continuous progress on design, installation, commissioning and system operations
• Understand the trade-offs in terms of cost, schedule, budget, manufacturability, and bankability of different technical paths and align these with business objectives
• Development of design bases, design requirements, and design guidance for salt system components

Preferred Qualifications

• Process simulation with industry standard software (HYSYS, Aveva, etc.)
• Dynamic process simulation for thermal transient responses
• Working experience with FLiBe or other high temperature molten salt chemistries (chloride, fluoride, etc.)
• A demonstrated history of participation in or leading the delivery of bespoke hardware systems
• Knowledge of resource estimation and projection

Benefits

$200,000 - $300,000 a year