Manager - Disruption Physics
Commonwealth Fusion Systems
Devens, MA, USA
Posted on May 3, 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 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 a Manager - Disruption Physics
Commonwealth Fusion Systems is currently building the SPARC tokamak, which aims to be the first magnetic confinement device to achieve net energy and is predicted to have up to Q=11 in DT, producing up to 140 MW of fusion power. An understanding of many aspects of physics will be important to the successful operation of the tokamak, including both disruptions and MHD which in some instances have considerable overlap. In the area of disruptions, CFS is focusing considerable efforts on disruption prediction and mitigation, building in robust detectors in the control system and mitigation systems including massive gas injection and a runaway electron mitigation coil.
The Manager, Disruption Physics will lead a team of scientists focusing on disruptions and MHD work for the SPARC and ARC tokamaks. This will involve mentoring and career development of these scientists, as well as setting priorities and guiding the work of both this group and collaborators. During SPARC campaigns, the manager will directly lead disruption and MHD analysis and will also be a key member of the scientific team on SPARC.
What you'll do:
- Manage and develop a team of disruption scientists that work on the topics listed here
- Interface between disruption physics and the plasma control system for disruption avoidance, prediction, and triggering of disruption mitigation
- Manage the development of disruption off-normal warnings, off-normal events, and off-normal simulations for input to simulation software
- Provide the physics input necessary to complete the design and commissioning of SPARC’s massive gas injection and runaway electron mitigation systems
- Develop physics and engineering root-cause workflows to evaluate and reduce the frequency of disruptions during SPARC operations
- Manage the tracking and diagnosis of disruptions during SPARC operations
- Coordinate all disruption physics input to SPARC operation and ARC design
- Identify and fill knowledge gaps by coordinating the work of external collaborators working on disruptions
What we’re looking for:
- PhD in experimental plasma physics or a closely related field
- 5+ years experience (post degree) in plasma physics or fusion research
- Experience planning and executing experiments on tokamaks, stellarators, or similar plasma confinement devices
- Experience managing graduate students, post-docs, and/or other scientists.
- Experience interpreting and analyzing experimental data relevant to disruptions and MHD
- Deep knowledge of disruption physics
- A desire for active participation in tokamak design and operations
- Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment
- Ability to work with collaborations from a variety of academic institutions
Bonus points for:
- Experience with Python
Must-have Requirements:
- Perform extended activities such as stooping, climbing, typing, standing, sitting, etc.
- Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call regularly
- Work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics
#LI-Hybrid
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.