CommonwealthFusion logo

Staff Engineer, Controls and Software

CommonwealthFusion

On-site
Milpitas, CA
Full-time
Staff
10+ yrs
Salary not listedPosted 2mo ago

Real job — pulled straight from CommonwealthFusion’s careers page · Verified June 23, 2026 · No reposts.

Job description

CommonwealthFusion is hiring a Staff Engineer, Controls and Software — a full-time, based in Milpitas, CA role. Apply directly on CommonwealthFusion's careers page below.

Staff Engineer, Controls and Software

Team: Controls & Software Engineering

Location: Milpitas, CA

Commitment: Full-time

Workplace Type: onsite

Salary:

Salary range for this full-time position + equity + benefitsThe 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

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.

Get Staff Engineer, Controls and Software jobs like this

New roles from thousands of companies land hourly, straight from their careers pages. Get the freshest matches by email so you never miss one.

Email me new jobs
Accenture logo

Industry Automation Controls Associate Manager

$44k–$68kMississauga, ON
✓ From careers page· 53m ago
JLL logo

JLL

New

Automation Engineer

Apopka, FL
✓ From careers page· 2h ago
JLL logo

JLL

New

Automation Engineer

Weston, WI
✓ From careers page· 2h ago

Frequently asked questions

What skills are required for Staff Engineer, Controls and Software at CommonwealthFusion?

The required skills for Staff Engineer, Controls and Software at CommonwealthFusion include: PLC, SCADA, GitHub, CI/CD, Python, OSHA.

What is the seniority level for Staff Engineer, Controls and Software at CommonwealthFusion?

Staff Engineer, Controls and Software at CommonwealthFusion is a Staff level position.

How do I apply for Staff Engineer, Controls and Software at CommonwealthFusion?

You can view the full description and apply for Staff Engineer, Controls and Software at CommonwealthFusion on EchoJobs: https://echojobs.io/job/commonwealthfusion-staff-engineer-controls-and-software-m6y01.