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Equipment Technician

Commonwealth Fusion SystemsTechnician
Pay
$35–$63/hour
Work mode
On-site
Full Time
Location
Milpitas, CA
Experience
5+ yrs
Mid

Milpitas, CA at a glance

Rent
#2 of 51
$2,780/mo+46% vs US avg
Weather
#17 of 51
315 mild days0 hot · 0 cold
Income tax
#1 of 51
13.3% top rateCalifornia

What you need

  • 5+ yrs hands-on semiconductor/R&D equipment experience
  • Strong HV/UHV vacuum systems background (chamber assembly, leak testing)
  • Experience with thin-film deposition tools (sputtering, evaporation)
  • Skilled in vacuum pump service/refurbishment (scroll, turbo, cryo)
  • Working knowledge of low/high-voltage electrical systems and cable harnesses

What you'll do

  • Assemble, operate, maintain custom HTS/characterization lab equipment
  • Troubleshoot mechanical/electrical issues across vacuum, thermal, instrumentation systems
  • Support equipment integration, testing, commissioning with engineers/vendors
  • Perform preventive maintenance on roughing/turbo/cryo pumps and deposition chambers
  • Conduct helium leak detection, support vacuum upgrades and chamber modifications
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, suppliers, and many others to build the energy industry of the future.
 
We’re in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we’ve raised $4 billion of capital, making us the largest and leading 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 an Equipment Technician

We are seeking a skilled, hands-on Equipment Technician to support the build, maintenance, and continuous improvement of advanced semiconductor vacuum equipment. This role will focus on thin-film deposition systems—particularly sputtering and evaporation tools—as well as supporting related infrastructure in the HTS pilot line and characterization lab. You’ll work with complex vacuum systems, thermal processes, instrumentation, and large-scale assemblies in a fast-paced, R&D-driven environment.

Work: Sun, Mon, Tues + every other Wed OR every other Wed + Thu, Fri, Sat
First shift hours - 6:30 am - 6:45 pm
Second shift hours - 6:30 pm - 6:45 am
Rate of pay: $35 - $65
 
**Second Shift Differential - 15%

What you'll do:

  • Assemble, operate, and maintain custom equipment used in the HTS and characterization lab
  • Perform mechanical and electrical troubleshooting across vacuum, thermal, and instrumentation systems
  • Support equipment integration, testing, and commissioning efforts in collaboration with engineers and vendors
  • Conduct preventive maintenance and servicing of roughing pumps, turbo pumps, cryopumps, and deposition chambers
  • Perform helium leak detection and support vacuum system upgrades, chamber modifications, and process hardware installations
  • Fabricate and repair cable harnesses, sensors, and custom fixturing
  • Use diagnostic tools (multimeters, vacuum gauges, RGA) to troubleshoot systems and support data collection
  • Maintain infrastructure, documentation, and compliance with safety protocols, SOPs, and industry standards (SEMI, OSHA)
  • Contribute to lab cleanliness, organization, and continuous process improvements

    • What we’re looking for:

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience supporting semiconductor, R&D, or manufacturing equipment
  • Strong background in vacuum systems (HV/UHV) including chamber assembly, component cleaning, and leak testing
  • Experience operating or maintaining thin-film deposition tools such as sputtering or evaporation systems
  • Skilled in servicing and refurbishing vacuum pumps (scroll, turbo, cryo)
  • Working knowledge of low- and high-voltage electrical systems, cable harness fabrication, and system wiring
  • Ability to troubleshoot electrical and instrumentation systems using bench tools and diagnostics equipment
  • Understanding of safety protocols including OSHA, LOTO, and PPE use in lab environments
  • Strong safety-first mindset and attention to detail in high-hazard environments

    • Bonus points for:

  • Experience in pilot-line or production environments with thin-film deposition equipment
  • Knowledge of cryogenics, thermal control systems, and process gas delivery
  • Familiarity with SEMI equipment standards and maintenance tracking tools (CMMS, lab management software).
  • Basic CAD skills for reviewing and modifying mechanical and electrical designs

    • 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
    • #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.

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    About Commonwealth Fusion Systems

    Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) is building SPARC, the world's first net-energy fusion machine. Spun out of MIT, they are commercializing compact fusion power plants using high-temperature superconducting magnets to deliver clean, limitless energy.

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