Senior Equipment Engineer
Company: Commonwealth Fusion Systems
Location: Milpitas
Posted on: February 14, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description 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 we're 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 Senior Equipment Engineer -
R&D Vacuum Deposition We’re looking for a hands-on Equipment
Engineer to join our R&D team and help build the next
generation of thin-film deposition technology. The Equipment
Engineer will be responsible for supporting, maintaining, and
improving high-vacuum systems used in R&D and operations. This
role requires strong technical expertise, procedural discipline,
and the ability to collaborate across engineering and operations
functions to ensure safe, reliable, and high-performance equipment
operation. If you enjoy working on complex equipment, mentoring
others, and solving problems in a collaborative, fast-paced
environment, this is your opportunity to make an impact. What
you'll do: Lead installation, startup, commissioning, and
qualification of systems, including vendor factory acceptance
testing (FAT) Develop and maintain procedures including SOPs, PM
schedules, and LOTO documentation in compliance with OSHA, SEMI,
and internal standards Train and mentor equipment technicians in
safe operation, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance of
deposition tools Collaborate with process engineers, design
engineers, and facilities teams to drive improvements in equipment
performance, reliability, and integration Perform root cause
analysis and corrective actions for complex equipment issues
Implement upgrades, retrofits, and reliability improvements with
coordination across vendors and internal stakeholders Track
equipment uptime, maintenance history, and performance metrics for
continuous improvement Ensure strict adherence to safety standards
and support EHS initiatives What we’re looking for: Bachelor’s
degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, or related engineering
field (or equivalent practical experience) 5 years of experience
with semiconductor or thin-film deposition equipment Strong
background in vacuum systems (HV/UHV), pumps (roughing, turbo,
cryo), gauges, and leak detection Demonstrated ability to write and
implement procedures (SOPs, PMs, LOTO) Hands-on experience with
equipment startup, commissioning, and qualification Proven ability
to train and support technical staff Effective cross-functional
communicator with strong troubleshooting skills Commitment to
safety, reliability, and documentation discipline Bonus points for:
Experience in R&D environments Experience with magnetron
sources (thermal or e-beam), and high-vacuum chamber design
Familiarity with process gases, cryogenics, or thermal control
systems Knowledge of automation platforms (Beckhoff, Siemens) or
data acquisition systems Proficiency with CAD (NX preferred) or
basic design review capability Prior experience in FAT/SAT
processes and vendor equipment qualification Prior success building
first-of-kind or experimental tools for material science or
semiconductor R&D Must-have Requirements: Ability to
occasionally lift up to 50 lbs Perform activities such as stooping,
climbing, 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 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 CFS-EX 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.
Keywords: Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Santa Rosa , Senior Equipment Engineer, Engineering , Milpitas, California