Materials Test Engineer

Materials Test Engineer

The Materials Department at CFS supports design engineers, supply chain, and manufacturing by guiding the selection of materials that meet design intent, executing testing, validation, and creation of design curves for materials, and conducting R&D to develop new materials and processes to enable fusion power deployment. The work is undertaken in support of delivering SPARC, the net energy tokamak under construction in Devens, MA, and ultimately in designing the ARC fusion power plant.

To support this mission, the CFS Materials Department is seeking a Materials Test Engineer with experience in electrical characterization of insulating materials and sub‑assemblies.

• Evaluate, test and qualify materials and components for structural and functional applications within SPARC and ARC.
• Own the execution and interpretation of electrical testing across coupon, sub-assembly, and component-level hardware, including dielectric, impulse, and Paschen testing.
• Author and maintain materials test specifications, SOPs, and calibration practices for testing equipment and test stands.
• Review, interpret, and report materials property data into version-controlled databases, ensuring high quality and actionable recommendations for design teams.
• Design, develop, and support custom electrical characterization test setups, instrumentation, and other custom test stands and test methods to meet evolving company needs.
• Participate in the product design-build-test-learn cycles and retire technical risks by translating performance requirements into test plans and specifications.
• Support the selection, development, and qualification of composite materials, and translate performance requirements into material property specifications.
• Work closely with other CFS teams including:
  • Safety team to manage hazards in existing and new experiments.
  • Adjacent R&D teams to optimally share pooled resources including equipment and personnel.
  • Supply chain team to procure new equipment and materials.
  • Test validation and analysis for data generated by materials test operators and R&D technicians.

• BS in Materials Science Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience with process-structure-properties fundamentals of engineering composites (e.g., fiber‑reinforced polymers).
• Experience in high-voltage and insulation-related testing, including troubleshooting test setups, instrumentation, and unexpected test behavior.
• Experience with Paschen curves, dielectric breakdown mechanisms, and the fundamentals of electricity.
• Proficiency in CAD (e.g., NX, Solid Works) for the design of specialized electrical test fixtures and custom test stand components.
• Experience managing multiple test requests and priorities independently, including resource estimation and schedule communication.
• Strong ability to analyze complex datasets to identify trends and performance risks in material insulation systems.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers or technicians on electrical testing methods and laboratory safety protocols.
• Understanding process‑structure‑properties‑performance principles for composites.
• Able to think creatively and possess strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively cross-functionally.
• Excellent organizational skills including prioritization of multiple concurrent projects.
• Ability to break down complex problems into smaller deliverables that add value.

• Experience with electrical testing in extreme environments (high temperature, cryogenic, vacuum).
• Prior experience authoring internal material specifications or working with international materials standards (ASTM, ISO, etc).
• Familiarity with the effects of radiation and plasma on the electrical performance of composite materials.

• Extended activities such as typing, standing, and sitting.
• Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, metallographic etchants and cryogenics.
• Willingness to travel or work required…