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Staff Engineer, Controls and Software
Job Location:
Job Location:
Milpitas, CA - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not provided by the employer
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
22 May 2026 (30+ days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
19 August 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 Staff Engineer Controls and Software
As a Staff Controls and Software Engineer you will be responsible for developing machine and operational concepts in collaboration with R&D staff and engineering peers. You will create a robust system architecture to support all controls components such as PLCs safety devices HMIs servo drives and more. For each project you will work from initial design all the way through commissioning operational fine-tuning and validation to ensure that all systems function reliably and meet their design goals. Additionally you will work closely with cross-functional teams throughout the entire life cycle of the equipment and its operation. You will work with simulation and test engineers to integrate your designs into software testbeds hardware testbeds and the tools.
What youll do:
- Work closely with R&D team to outline interfaces and requirements for equipment and software operation for equipment control
- Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and balance product specifications operational control requirements layout complexity cost quality and lead time limits
- Design modify and approve electrical schematics for industrial and test equipment (compliant with NFPA79/NEC/UL508A standards)
- Create machine interactions with plant-wide SCADA to communicate product acceptability machine status and operational variables
- Write and debug PLC structured text with an emphasis on generating code that is organized structured documented maintainable and reusable. PLC code will interact with subsystems and 3rd party equipment
- Implement (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant) control reliable safety systems for safeguarding industrial equipment
- Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting
- Debug and optimize automated operations to maximize cycle time improve availability and yield
- Work with external software contractors to develop the control systems for internal tools (Define requirements manage priorities drive testing and implementation plans)
What were looking for:
- A bachelors degree in a relevant engineering field (e.g. EE mechatronics software)
- 10 years of experience as a controls engineer on complex mechanical systems -- for example: design construction and operation of controls for industrial large-scale equipment
- Hands-on experience with industrial control system implementation including specifying building and commissioning industrial control panels experience with 480VAC power systems configuring industrial fieldbus and components
- Proficient in AutoCAD Electrical for schematic and cable designs
- Familiar in structured text programming and the TwinCAT IDE
- Familiar with TwinSAFE safety PLC programming
- PLC programming experience in IEC 611:31-3 languages
- Familiar with modern tools like GitHub and CI/CD release management
- Familiarity with Python
- HMI design implementation and maintenance
- Inductive Automations Ignition platform
Bonus points for:
- Experience with Semiconductor Capital Equipment manufacturing
- Experience with enclosure design compliant with NFPA79/NEC/UL508A standards
- Experience developing and tuning control loops
Must-have requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 50 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
$160000 - $220000 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
