Reporting to the Manager of SPARC Plant Operations, the Shift Operations Engineer is a foundational member of the team responsible for the preparation, commissioning, and 24/7 operation of the SPARC fusion facility. As an operator of the SPARC plant, you will ensure the reliability of critical infrastructure, including electrical distribution, cooling water, compressed air, HVAC, cryogenic cooling systems, and HTS magnets.
The Shift Operations Engineer will also contribute to procedure development, commissioning, maintenance planning, work management, troubleshooting, testing, and training. This is a high-impact role requiring a self-motivated engineer who thrives in a dynamic, "first-of-a-kind" environment where troubleshooting and rigorous operational standards are the norms.
What you'll do:
- Operate, maintain, and test equipment, components, and systems associated with plant operations
- Troubleshoot assigned systems and equipment, including cooling water, compressed air, HVAC, liquid nitrogen, cryogenic plant, and electrical distribution
- Coordinate, oversee, and/or perform field work activities, ensuring safe and efficient execution
- Operate plant equipment in compliance with established safety protocols
- Perform switching and tagging (LOTO) to support site maintenance and operations
- Develop new operating procedures for systems being designed, built, and commissioned
- Create maintenance plans for new systems to ensure long-term reliability
- Support training efforts to prepare operations staff for safe and effective plant operations
- Work 12-hour, rotating shifts (including days, nights, weekends, and holidays) to ensure full time coverage of the facility
What we’re looking for:
- High School Graduate/GED or Bachelors degree
- 5+ years in operations at complex facilities
- Experience in high-voltage and/or complex electrical environments
- Experience with large cooling water systems
- Previously qualified in Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) / Tagging Program
- Complex facility operations (power plant, oil & gas, LNG, etc.)
- Strong safety background
- Comprehensive understanding of engineering principles and theory of operation of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems
- Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Ability to adapt and excel in a constantly changing environment
- Demonstrated ability to learn new systems and concepts quickly
Bonus points for:
- Bachelors Degree in Engineering or related field
- Experience in radiological environments
- Experience with cryogenic plants
- Strong background in Human Performance principles
- Experience with high-voltage electrical systems
- Software controls development
Must-have Requirements:
- Perform extended activities such as stooping, climbing, typing, standing, sitting, etc.
- Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call regularly
- Work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics