
Real job — pulled straight from CommonwealthFusion’s careers page · Verified September 11, 2026 · No reposts.
Job description
CommonwealthFusion is hiring a Staff Electrical Engineer — a full-time, based in Milpitas, CA role. Apply directly on CommonwealthFusion's careers page below.
Staff Electrical Engineer
Team: Superconductor R&D
Location: Milpitas, CA
Commitment: Full-time
Workplace Type: onsite
Salary:
We are looking for a Staff Electrical Engineer to serve as the lead electrical hardware authority for our next-generation R&D and processing equipment. In this role, you will own the end-to-end electrical design of complex machinery—focusing heavily on 480VAC power distribution, electrical safety, signal integrity, sensor instrumentation, and control panel architecture.
You will bridge the gap between high-power electrical infrastructure and machine-level controls. While your primary mastery lies in electrical design, schematic capture, component selection, and shop-floor commissioning, your working knowledge of PLCs, fieldbuses, and industrial automation will allow you to seamlessly bring first-of-a-kind hardware to life alongside our software and mechanical teams.
What you'll do:
- Lead Electrical System Architecture: Architect complete power and electrical hardware platforms for complex R&D tools, managing power distribution, low-voltage DC systems, cable harness design, and power conditioning. Implement (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant) control reliable safety systems for safeguarding industrial equipment
- Schematic Design & Drafting: Create, modify, and approve comprehensive electrical schematic packages (one-lines, multi-line, I/O diagrams, panel layouts, cable schedules) in AutoCAD Electrical per NFPA 79, NEC, and UL 508A standards
- Instrumentation & Sensor Integration: Sizing, specify, and integrate power supplies, circuit protection, VFDs, servo drives, safety relays, and precision sensors (thermocouples, pressure transducers, vacuum gauges, flow meters)
- Signal Integrity & EMI/EMC Mitigation: Design robust grounding, shielding, and isolation schemes to protect sensitive analog/digital measurement signals in high-power, electrically noisy, and high-magnetic field environments
- Hardwired & Control Safety Systems: Implement ANSI/RIA 15.06 and OSHA-compliant electrical safety circuits, interlocks, light curtains, and emergency stop systems to protect personnel and high-hazard industrial hardware
- Hardware Commissioning & I/O Checkout: Lead hands-on electrical testing, ring-out, power-up, and I/O validation on the tool floor using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and basic PLC diagnostics
- Controls & Software Support: Assist controls engineers in configuring EtherCAT/industrial fieldbuses, verifying drive parameters, and debugging basic PLC code (Structured Text/TwinCAT) or HMI screens during tool bring-up
- Vendor & Panel Shop Direction: Manage external panel build shops and electrical contractors; specify panel construction details, manage component BOMs, and lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
What we’re looking for:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Mechatronics Engineering required (Master’s preferred)
- Experience: 10+ years of dedicated electrical engineering experience designing power distribution, electrical cabinets, and hardware architectures for complex industrial or R&D capital equipment
- Electrical Design Expertise: Expert proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical for full schematic generation, panel layouts, terminal block design, and wire harness documentation
- Power & Codes Mastery: Deep technical understanding of 480VAC 3-phase systems, transformer sizing, short-circuit current ratings (SCCR), arc flash safety, and industry codes (NFPA 79, NEC/NFPA 70, UL 508A)
- Grounding & Noise Control: Demonstrated experience solving EMI/EMC issues, noise coupling, and grounding challenges in complex electromechanical tools
- Controls Background (Secondary Skillset): Working knowledge of PLC hardware architectures (Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley, or Siemens), industrial fieldbuses (EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP), and safety PLCs (TwinSAFE)
- Diagnostic & Commissioning Skills: High proficiency in hands-on hardware troubleshooting, field wiring, and electrical fault isolation on the machine floor
Bonus points for:
- Semiconductor & Vacuum Equipment: Experience designing electrical hardware for semiconductor tools, high-vacuum systems, or high-temperature processing equipment.
- High-Current / High-Power Systems: Experience with high-current DC power supplies, magnetics, or cryogenic instrumentation.
- PLC Programming Capability: Ability to write and debug IEC 61131-3 Structured Text code or Python scripts for hardware testbeds.
- SCADA/HMI Familiarity: Exposure to Inductive Automation Ignition or custom operational interfaces.
Must-have requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 25 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
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Frequently asked questions
What skills are required for Staff Electrical Engineer at CommonwealthFusion?
The required skills for Staff Electrical Engineer at CommonwealthFusion include: Electrical Engineering, OSHA, Python, SCADA.
What is the seniority level for Staff Electrical Engineer at CommonwealthFusion?
Staff Electrical Engineer at CommonwealthFusion is a Staff level position.
How do I apply for Staff Electrical Engineer at CommonwealthFusion?
You can view the full description and apply for Staff Electrical Engineer at CommonwealthFusion on EchoJobs: https://echojobs.io/job/commonwealthfusion-staff-electrical-engineer-5hubt.