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Staff Systems Engineer
Job Location:
Job Location:
Milpitas, CA - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not provided by the employer
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
26 April 2026 (30+ days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
11 September 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
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 and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future.
Were in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018 weve raised nearly $3 billion in capital making us the largest and leading private 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 Systems Engineer
Were looking for a Systems Engineer to join our R&D team to serve as the primarySystems Engineer for the next generation of thin-film deposition equipment. You will beresponsible for the seamless integration and operation of complex machinery ensuringthat mechanical electrical and software subsystems work in role requires a unique blend of technical tool-sense and program management. You will be the technical authority for critical utility subsystems the primarytroubleshooter during commissioning and the lead communicator across functionalengineering groups (mechanical electrical and controls).
What youll do:
- Ownership: Act as the primary technical owner for critical subsystems including vacuum pumps chillers and gas delivery modules owning Process and Instrumentation Diagrams Failure Modes and Effects Analysis and general equipment layouts
- Troubleshooting & Operation: Lead the hands-on operation of the equipment; identify diagnose and resolve complex electromechanical and software issues during R&D cycles
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead technical discussions and bridge gaps between Mechanical (ME) Electrical (EE) and Software (SW) teams to ensure system-level cohesion
- Technical Specifications and Requirements: Author and maintain comprehensive equipment specifications and system requirements for new and existing R&D platforms
- Program Management: Create and manage detailed project schedules and budgets to ensure equipment upgrades and installations stay on track
- Standardize Best Practices: Implement and maintain engineering workflows and operational SOPs using semiconductor standards as your guide
- Project Accountability: Report on program progress and budget variances to key stakeholders
What were looking for:
- Bachelors or Masters degree in Systems Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent industrial experience)
- 12 years of experience in the operation integration or design of complex R&D systems or semiconductor manufacturing equipment
- Proven ability to manage the interfaces between hardware and software specifically in motor-controlled and sensor-heavy environments
- Practical experience managing vacuum architecture (pumps gauges leak detection) and thermal management systems (chillers heat exchangers)
- High proficiency in tool troubleshooting; comfortable using diagnostic equipment and navigating software control interfaces
- Demonstrated experience in project accounting and the use of scheduling software to manage complex equipment builds
- Exceptional ability to lead meetings and translate complex technical requirements across different engineering disciplines
- Experience leading in a matrixed environment driving consensus among diverse functional groups
Bonus points for:
- Semiconductor Background: Experience with the operation of PVD CVD or thermal evaporation systems in a manufacturing or high-end R&D environment
- R2R Expertise: Experience with the system-level integration of roll-to-roll (R2R) material processing tools
- Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with SEMI ASME and safety standards for vacuum and high-voltage equipment
- Control Systems: Understanding of PLC or custom software control logic for industrial automation
Must-have requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally
- Perform activities such as stooping climbing standing sitting for extended periods of time
- Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
- Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat cold noise fumes strong magnets lead (Pb) high voltage high current pressure systems and cryogenics
$130000 - $200000 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
