R&D Technical Program Manager

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 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 over $2 billion in capital – more than any other fusion energy company in the U.S.

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 a R&D Technical Program Manager

The R&D Technical Program Manager will be responsible for overseeing one or more technical projects within the CFS R&D division. There are a wide range of projects within R&D, spanning all of the subsystems that make up fusion devices and superconducting magnet systems. Projects will be targeted towards SPARC, ARC, and application magnets.

What you'll do:

• Manage a medium to large sized development, manufacturing, R&D, or Analysis program to maintain program objectives and hold overall schedules & budget
• Own the test planning effort for the program to include test facility identification, test article fabrication, test matrix, data collection and transfer and risk reduction activities
• Work with CFS collaborators to ensure objectives and timelines are communicated and agreed upon. Ensure proper analysis is accomplished to predict testing results in a timely manner to inform the test, manufacturing, operations, and development programs
• Coordinate cross department communication to maintain the master schedule for the program and to manage risk and mitigate it properly when the opportunity arises or elevate project concerns when mitigation is not an option.
• Ask the right questions of the technical team to ensure we are driving toward a test / test article that will maximize learning in a timely manner for future design efforts
• Coordinate with the test facility to plan for data reduction and feedback on any testing results in a timely manner
• Work with the Open Innovation department at CFS to leverage external government/industry/academia support for your project(s)
• Coordinate within the R&D team for resources to support your project(s)
• Act as a mentor to the R&D engineering team and impart best practices
• Work with procurement to ensure accurate/lean system level purchases that meet your programs timelines and keep the general cost / schedule / learning cycle moving
• Grow and lead a team of engineers through the management of and accomplishment of your project's objectives
• Manage R&D engineering consultants associated with your project(s), internal to CFS and external
• Manage relationships with external collaborators including but not limited to external testing facilities, MIT, other US government or international laboratories and facilities as might be required

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or applied science discipline is required
• At least 10 years of experience managing project/program teams
• At least 10 years of experience managing the development of technical projects
• Experience using project/product management tools and tracking of projects or products
• Experience in system-level design
• Fantastic and clear communication and organizational skills
• Resource estimation and projection
• Strong time management skills
• Self - motivation and autonomy

Bonus points:

• Graduate degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience applying for and capturing government proposals, and the subsequent management of the effort with the government PM
• Experience with utilizing University, National Laboratory, and outsourced testing and research organizations
• Experience managing cross functional teams in a matrix environment
• Experience using project/product management tools and tracking of project(s), schedules, milestones, tasks, budgets
• A demonstrated history of participation in or leading the delivery of complex engineering/physics projects a la bespoke magnets, preferably superconducting

Essential Requirements:

• Perform activities such as typing, standing, or 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, 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.