Staff Engineer, Controls and Software
Commonwealth Fusion Systems
Milpitas, CA, USA
Posted on May 20, 2026
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 Staff Engineer, Controls and Software
As a Staff Controls and Software Engineer, you will be responsible for developing machine and operational concepts in collaboration with R&D staff and engineering peers. You will create a robust system architecture to support all controls components such as PLCs, safety devices, HMIs, servo drives, and more. For each project you will work from initial design all the way through commissioning, operational fine-tuning, and validation to ensure that all systems function reliably and meet their design goals. Additionally, you will work closely with cross-functional teams throughout the entire life cycle of the equipment and its operation. You will work with simulation and test engineers to integrate your designs into software testbeds, hardware testbeds, and the tools.
What you'll do:
- Work closely with R&D team to outline interfaces and requirements for equipment and software operation for equipment control
- Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and balance product specifications, operational control requirements, layout complexity, cost, quality, and lead time limits
- Design, modify, and approve electrical schematics for industrial and test equipment (compliant with NFPA79/NEC/UL508A standards)
- Create machine interactions with plant-wide SCADA to communicate product acceptability, machine status, and operational variables
- Write, and debug PLC structured text with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable. PLC code will interact with subsystems and 3rd party equipment
- Implement (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant) control reliable safety systems for safeguarding industrial equipment
- Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting
- Debug and optimize automated operations to maximize cycle time, improve availability, and yield
- Work with external software contractors to develop the control systems for internal tools (Define requirements, manage priorities, drive testing and implementation plans)
What we’re looking for:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field (e.g., EE, mechatronics, software)
- 10+ years of experience as a controls engineer on complex mechanical systems -- for example: design, construction, and operation of controls for industrial, large-scale equipment
- Hands-on experience with industrial control system implementation, including specifying, building, and commissioning industrial control panels, experience with 480VAC power systems, configuring industrial fieldbus’ and components
- Proficient in AutoCAD Electrical, for schematic and cable designs
- Familiar in structured text programming and the TwinCAT IDE
- Familiar with TwinSAFE safety PLC programming
- PLC programming experience in IEC 611:31-3 languages
- Familiar with modern tools like GitHub and CI/CD release management
- Familiarity with Python
- HMI design, implementation and maintenance
- Inductive Automation’s Ignition platform
Bonus points for:
- Experience with Semiconductor Capital Equipment manufacturing
- Experience with enclosure design compliant with NFPA79/NEC/UL508A standards
- Experience developing and tuning control loops
Must-have requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally
- Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, standing, sitting for extended periods of time
- Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
- Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics
#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.
160000 - 220000 USD a year
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