Molten Salt Engineer
Commonwealth Fusion · Devens, United States · 22d ago
Join the power movement as a Molten Salt Engineer
Salt chemistry is a critical driver of corrosion, hydrogen speciation, and material behavior under irradiation. As the Blanket System team scales up to larger systems, maintaining precise control over salt chemistry is vital. We are seeking an entry-level Molten Salt Engineer to support our experimental testing operations. Initially, you will focus on executing standard operating procedures (SOPs), conducting routine materials testing, and maintaining rigorous quality controls. As you build familiarity with our systems, your role will expand to include experimental design, test cell design and construction, and leading projects in materials corrosion and blanket health monitoring. Ideal candidates will have a background in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related discipline.
The Blanket System team has a strong culture of teamwork, supportive safety culture, and pragmatic risk management. We are looking for an engineer who will fit and actively contribute to this culture.
What you'll do:
- Perform corrosion testing of novel materials in molten salts
- Perform device testing in molten salts to obtain statistics on device performance
- Design and build new test cells for molten salt R&D
- Assist with lab maintenance and upkeep
- Write and modify SOPs for safe handling of hazardous chemicals, including fluoride salts (FLiBe)
What we're looking for:
- Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar field
- 0-2 years of work experience
- Experience with R&D work in a chemical or engineering laboratory
- Experience working with safety systems for hazardous chemicals
- Ability to learn new skills/subject matter quickly
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, technical staff and others
- Ability to clearly express and critique ideas
- Great communication and organizational skills
- Strong problem solving skills, ability to approach new problems with creativity
Bonus points for:
- High temperature chemistry
- Molten salts
- Electrochemistry
- Ceramics
- Python, MATLAB, or equivalent for data analysis
- Building and commissioning new laboratory equipment
- CAD software
Must-have requirements:
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
- Perform activities such as sitting, typing, standing, stooping, or climbing 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