Senior Supplier Development Engineer - Materials and Processes

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 Senior Supplier Development Engineer

The Senior Supplier Development Engineer role will act as a liaison between purchasing, engineering, materials engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers with a focus on materials and special processes.  This individual is expected to understand the technical requirements defined by design engineering, and be able to provide solutions based on gathered data and their expertise. Specifically, this person should specialize in one or a combination of the following: metallurgy, materials science, materials engineering, or special processes.

This is a technical role that requires practical experience in materials and processes. The ideal candidate will have a broad understanding of manufacturing/machining and managing processes from development through production scale ups.

What you'll do:

• Act as the technical point of contact, functioning as a liaison between procurement, engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to solve emergent challenges and mitigate risks associated with raw materials and special processes
• Support the creation and implementation of a materials and special processing controls program to develop, qualify, continuously improve, and manage the performance of the supply base. Establish preferred suppliers by category
• Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve complex materials and processing challenges
• Provide guidance, feedback, and DFM reviews relating to materials and special process selections
• Create and manage specifications to define and control materials and special processes, including qualification requirements, inspection methods, and test procedures
• Lead cross functional supplier non-conformance investigations, identifying and mitigating the immediate and underlying root causes in order to quantify/reduce risk and improve reliability of designs and processes
• Audit, assess, and qualify new suppliers and/or new capabilities at existing suppliers
• Monitor supplier performance for risk, high impact issues, and repeat non-conformances. Own improvements and resolutions.
• Physically be on-site at vendors for long periods of time to support problem resolutions
• Review and approve supplier submitted documentation including process qualifications, material certifications, testing data, FAIRs, etc

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
• 6+ years experience in metallurgy, materials science, materials engineering, or related field
• Experience with Supplier Assessments & Audits, including Quality Management Systems (e.g., ISO 9001, AS 9100, IATF 16949)
• Familiarity with specialized quality tools such PPAP (PFMEA, Control Plan, MSA), capacity analysis, and Lean initiatives
• Ability to design, establish, and implement supplier quality improvement processes and procedures
• Ability to communicate materials and special process development methods and tests to non-technical audiences
• Strong communication skills, including ability to influence others across organizational lines
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks
• Strong Customer Service skills
• Strong problem solving skills, ability to approach new problems with creativity
• Experience making and justifying decisions in fast paced engineering settings
• Broad familiarity with the ancillary processes associated with the production of metallic parts, e.g., Non-destructive evaluation, heat treatment, etc.
• Technical capabilities including knowledge of 2D blueprints and model drawings
• Knowledge of supplier quality processes; production part approval process, advanced product quality planning, first article inspection reports, etc.

Bonus points for:

• Master’s Degree
• Six Sigma Certification (Yellow, Green or Black) certifications
• Experience in a start-up or high growth environment
• Experience in highly regulated fields such as automotive or aerospace

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; travel expected to be minimum 25%
• 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

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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.