Senior Shift Operations Engineer – SPARC

About the role

The Senior Shift Operations Engineer will be a core member of the SPARC plant team, responsible for the preparation, commissioning, and continuous 24/7 operation of the fusion facility. You will work on rotating shifts to ensure full coverage of critical plant systems and support the transition of SPARC from prototype to commercial operation.

Key responsibilities

• Provide full‑time coverage of the plant on rotating 12‑hour shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to develop and execute new operating and commissioning procedures.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain core plant systems such as cooling water, compressed air, HVAC, liquid nitrogen, industrial heating, vacuum, cryogenic plant, and electrical distribution.
• Coordinate and perform field work safely, including LOTO (lockout/tagout) activities.
• Develop standard operating procedures and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
• Create maintenance plans for newly commissioned systems to guarantee long‑term reliability.
• Support training of operations staff to ensure safe and effective plant operation.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in plant operations, preferably in high‑energy or industrial environments.
• Proven ability to work autonomously in a fast‑paced, first‑of‑a‑kind setting.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a commitment to rigorous operational standards.

Required skills

• Electrical distribution systems
• Cooling water systems
• Compressed air systems
• HVAC
• Cryogenic cooling systems
• HTS (high‑temperature superconducting) magnets
• Vacuum systems
• Liquid nitrogen systems
• Industrial heating systems
• LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) procedures
• Maintenance planning
• Procedure development