Senior Scientific Software Engineer

Summary

Join Commonwealth Fusion Systems as a Senior Scientific Software Engineer and contribute to the development of software for a fiber optic quench detection system in superconducting magnets and tokamaks. You will enhance quench detection algorithm performance, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and clearly communicate technical results. The role involves developing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines and analyzing experimental data to validate models. This position requires expertise in Python programming, data analysis, and a basic understanding of physics. The company offers competitive compensation, equity, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field preferred
• Programming language: Python, including type hinting and object-oriented features
• Basic understanding of numerical methods, linear algebra, and differential equations
• Understand the basics of the project’s physics aspects (e.g., undergrad-level electromagnetics and optics)
• Data analysis using pandas, numpy, matplotlib, or other similar Python packages
• Experience with at least one of the following: signal processing, machine learning, and data analytic tools
• Perform activities such as typing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally

Responsibilities

• Rapidly learn and improve complex physics-based models and simulations from first principles optics and physics
• Enhance quench detection algorithm performance (i.e. reduce quench detection false positive and false negative rates), by applying image and signal processing techniques to time-series spectral data
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including the physics, production, and SPARC Software (real-time controls) teams, to identify and execute on key data and algorithm needs
• Clearly communicate technical results and project progress
• Develop, implement, and maintain CI/CD pipelines to streamline development processes, ensure code reliability, and reduce operational overhead

Preferred Qualifications

• Programming languages: C++, Rust, or experience with low-level performance and memory management
• Concurrency and parallelization
• Demonstrated experience building a simulation framework that uses physics-based modeling

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with equity
• 12.5 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