The role involves developing and validating safety-critical software and simulation tools for tokamak control systems and Hardware-in-the-Loop testbeds.
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.
Join the power movement as an Algorithms and Simulation Software Engineer
The SPARC Software team seeks an exceptional software engineer to be a member of the Realtime Algorithms & Simulation group. This team is responsible for high-level tokamak orchestration, collaborating with fusion scientists to develop real-time plasma control algorithms, hardware-in-the-loop testbeds and simulation infrastructure necessary for validation, and develop other safety-critical control software that runs the SPARC tokamak and plant. SPARC senses thousands of physical measurements while controlling millions of amps to superconducting magnets and millions of watts of RF power to the plasma. These closed-loop systems must control at rates substantially greater than 1 kHz and must sample some parameters in the MHz range. The technology platforms involved include real-time Linux, bare-metal microcontrollers, FPGAs, and industrial PLCs. The testbeds and simulation environments must be able to validate software across all these platforms. The team will be responsible for both Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) and software-only testbeds. Specific infrastructure you will help develop may include software for test orchestration, deployment to testbeds, evaluation of test success, and automatic integration into continuous integration systems. The team will also develop models or model infrastructure for both real-time simulation (e.g. for HITL or operator training) or offline analysis (e.g. for high-fidelity algorithm development). Finally, the team will work with other software and engineering teams to define end-to-end and other integrated test cases and test plans to validate overall SPARC control software and ensure its adherence to design requirements.
What you'll do:
- Develop safety-critical tokamak control software
- Develop software infrastructure to operate Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) and software-only testbeds
- Develop simulation models and model infrastructure for both real-time and off-line (high fidelity) simulations
- Develop offline data analysis tools
- Help define and execute end-to-end and other integrated test cases and test plans to validate SPARC control software
- Work with hardware engineers to integrate/validate new components
What we're looking for:
- Engineering degree in related field, such as computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, etc.
- Experience in developing software in python, C++, or similar languages.
- Experience in developing simulations to test embedded and real-time software.
- Experience in working on and developing infrastructure for Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testbeds and software-only testbeds.
- Experience with modern continuous integration and continuous deployment tools
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
- Perform activities such as typing for extended periods of time
- Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
Bonus points for:
- Experience in validating software for safety-critical applications
- Experience with validating industrial control software
- Experience with developing physics based software models
- Linux development
- Microcontroller or FPGA development
- Networking development (IP/UDP/TCP)
- PLC development
- Software/hardware interfaces (ADCs/DACs, UARTS, etc.)
- Simulation hardware platforms (e.g. PXI)
Must-have requirements:
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
- Perform activities such as typing for extended periods of time
- 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.
Top Skills
C++
Fpgas
Microcontrollers
Plcs
Python
Real-Time Linux
Commonwealth Fusion Systems Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA Office
148 Sidney Street,, Cambridge, MA, United States, 02139
Similar Jobs
Healthtech
Direct and manage the Process engineering organization to support commercial operations, new product introduction, and lifecycle management, while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and improving manufacturing processes.
Top Skills:
5SCgmpKaizensKanbanLean OrganizationVsm
Aerospace • Energy
As a GE Aerospace intern, you'll assist in designing aircraft engines, focusing on engineering challenges, while building professional skills and networking opportunities.
Top Skills:
Microsoft ProductsProgramming Languages
Artificial Intelligence • Digital Media • Marketing Tech • Software
Design and implement test strategies for mobile applications, develop automated scripts for testing ML models, and collaborate with engineers to ensure quality features.
Top Skills:
GitGitJavaJavaScriptJenkinsKotlinPythonSwift
What you need to know about the Boston Tech Scene
Boston is a powerhouse for technology innovation thanks to world-class research universities like MIT and Harvard and a robust pipeline of venture capital investment. Host to the first telephone call and one of the first general-purpose computers ever put into use, Boston is now a hub for biotechnology, robotics and artificial intelligence — though it’s also home to several B2B software giants. So it’s no surprise that the city consistently ranks among the greatest startup ecosystems in the world.
Key Facts About Boston Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 269,000; 9.4% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Toast, Klaviyo, HubSpot, DraftKings
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, software, aerospace
- Funding Landscape: $15.7 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Summit Partners, Volition Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, MassVentures, Highland Capital Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: MIT, Harvard University, Boston College, Tufts University, Boston University, Northeastern University, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, National Bureau of Economic Research, Broad Institute, Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories
