Associate Lab Technician

The Acceleron Fusion Associate Lab Technician is instrumental in the fabrication of parts and the assembly of components for the company’s muon-catalysed fusion research apparatus. Acceleron Fusion is a venture-backed clean energy startup developing fusion technology, and the role suits a hands-on, scientifically minded person who is passionate about building.

Acceleron Fusion was founded to commercialise Department of Energy-funded research, has completed its Series A funding round, and works with research institutions including the Paul Scherrer Institute and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. It is headquartered in Cambridge, MA, with about 20 employees. The Acceleron Fusion Associate Lab Technician role offers experience across all aspects of the company’s research, including mechanical, electrical, chemical and vacuum systems, as a key member of a small, dynamic team.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and assemble precision components, leak-test vacuum hardware, and assist in monitoring experiments during active runs
• Program and operate CNC mills, lathes and 3D printers to create prototype parts, with training available for the right candidate on advanced CNC workflows
• Assist in the setup, organisation and safety of the machine shop in Cambridge
• Travel with the team for several weeks a year to help install, align and troubleshoot mechanical systems at partner labs in Switzerland, Vancouver and New York
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to improve designs for manufacturability

Requirements

Essential:

• Recent graduate with a degree in physics, mechanical, electrical or chemical engineering, or a related technical field, or comparable work experience in a technical laboratory or manufacturing environment
• A “maker” history, with a strong portfolio of projects you have built or worked on
• Familiarity with CAD software, and experience with CNC machining or a strong desire to learn
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex systems in a fast-paced, startup environment
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, and the ability to work effectively within a small, tight-knit team
• Hands-on experience with low-voltage wiring and control circuits

Desirable:

• Experience with SolidWorks
• Hands-on familiarity with vacuum, cryogenic or pneumatic systems
• Basic experience with welding (MIG, TIG or laser)

Successful applications will include pictures of parts you have made or machines or systems you have built. The application also asks whether candidates are legally authorised to work in the United States, whether they will now or in future require sponsorship, and whether they can work from the Cambridge office.