Shift Operator- SPARC
Commonwealth Fusion Systems
Devens, MA, USA
Posted on Sep 13, 2025
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 nearly $3 billion in capital, making us the largest and leading private fusion company in the world.
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.
Join the power movement as a Shift Operator
The Shift Operator will be part of the team responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the SPARC Tokamak and supporting systems. Reporting to the Senior Manager of SPARC Plant Operations, this role is essential to support commissioning, operational readiness, and steady-state operations.
Shift Operators will perform both Control Room monitoring and field operations, responding to alarms and abnormal conditions, while ensuring safe operating practices at all times. Operators will receive training on SPARC's major steady state plant systems, including:
• Electrical distribution
• Cooling Water
• CompressedAir
• HVAC
• Cryogenics Plant
• Other supporting plant infrastructure
Additional responsibilities include:
• Procedure development and revision
• Equipment/system troubleshooting and testing
• Performing Lockout/Tagout
• Supporting commissioning and training activities
This position is ideal for individuals with power plant or equivalent complex facility experience, who thrive in dynamics environments, and want to contribute directly to the operation of a first-of-its-kind fusion facility.
Shifts available:
1st shift - Hours: 6:00 am - 2:30 pm
2nd shift - Hours: 2:00 pm - 10:30 pm, 10% differential
3rd shift - Hours: 10:00 pm - 6:30 am, 15% differential
Weekend 1st shift - Hours: 6:00 am - 6:00 pm, Work Sat - Mon, 15% differential
Weekend 2nd shift - Hours: 6:00 pm - 6:00 am, Work Sat - Mon, 30% differential
What you'll do:
- Operate, monitor, and maintain plant systems and equipment supporting SPARC operations
- Troubleshoot systems such as cooling water, compressed air, HVAC, cryogenics, liquid nitrogen, and electrical distribution
- Safely operate plant equipment under normal and abnormal conditions, both remotely from the control room and locally in the field
- Perform switching and tagging (LOTO) to support maintenance and commissioning
- Participate in procedure development, revision, and optimization
- Support testing and commissioning of plant systems
- Adhere to human performance and safety standards in all activities
What we’re looking for:
- High School Graduate/GED
- 5 years in operations at complex facilities
- Experience in low voltage and/or complex electrical environments
- Experience with large cooling water systems
- Previously qualified Lockout Tagout (LOTO) / Tagging Program
- Complex facility operations (power plant, oil & gas, LNG, etc.)
- Safety-conscious mindset with demonstrated strong safety background
- Comprehensive understanding of engineering principles and theory of operation of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems associated with facility operations
- Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skill to permit analysis and evaluation of system problems and the ability to apply knowledge and the use of procedures to the operation
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Excels in a constantly changing environment
- Ability to learn new things quickly
Bonus points for:
- Experience in radiological environments
- Experience with Cryogenic Systems
- Bachelors Degree in Engineering or related field
- Strong background in Human Performance
- Experience with high voltage electrical systems
Must-have Requirements:
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
- Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, typing, standing, or sitting 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
#LI-Onsite
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.
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.