Principal Molten Salt Component Specialist
Commonwealth Fusion Systems
Devens, MA, USA
Posted on Oct 9, 2024
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, we’re designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And working with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future.
We’re in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we’ve raised over $2 billion in capital – more than any other fusion energy company in the U.S.
Now we’re looking for more thinkers, doers, builders, and makers to join us. People who’ll bring new perspectives, solve tough problems, and thrive as part of a team.
If that’s you and this role fits, we want to hear from you.
ARC will be the first machine to produce electricity from fusion energy, serving as the cornerstone to a new industry. ARC will strongly leverage the work that’s been done for SPARC in developing HTS magnets and other key tokamak systems. However, because of its mission to deliver power to the grid, the ARC tokamak has several systems not included on SPARC. The ARC group is a growing team that is delivering key scientific and engineering results to push the technical readiness level of these new enabling technologies higher.
ARC will use a fluoride-based molten salt as the breeder blanket working fluid and primary coolant. To develop this first of kind engineering system CFS will undertake a large molten salt development facility. This role will be the key component level subject matter expert in supporting the design for ARC’s molten salt power systems, and for the development facility, de-risking the pathway for the deployment of a fusion power plant. This senior engineer will conduct trade-space analysis of component technologies for this high temperature, corrosive application to meet system requirements. They will engage deeply with industry partners towards manufacturing of critical molten salt components. They will develop design packages for the development facility to ensure it is capable of evaluating both the component level and integrated system level performances necessary to de-risk the technology. As the project progresses the engineer will be expected to support the installation, commissioning, operations, and results assessment of the development facility.
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.
This team member will:
- 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
The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of these 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
Additional experience and/or 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
- Perform activities such as standing, and sitting for extended periods of time
- Great communication and organizational skills
- Strong time management skills
- Self - motivation and autonomy
- Willingness to occasionally travel 20% or work required nights/weekends/on-call, particularly during commissioning
- Work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics
- #LI-Remote
At CFS, we excel in fast-paced environments, driven by our values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique. As we grow, we’re 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.