Senior Manager, Fusion Gas Recovery Test Team

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 Senior Manager, Fusion Gas Recovery Test Team

The senior manager of the gas recovery test team will be responsible for managing the team focused on completing SPARC R&D (torus exhaust processing, isotope separation, boron and tritium studies) and expanding the development plan for ARC R&D of gas recovery systems at CFS. Gas recovery from tokamaks comprises recovering tritium and separating impurities. Testing will advance existing purification systems and demonstrate the ability to meet requirements for ARC. The senior manager will report to the Director of Fueling and Tritium Systems and will be responsible for scientists and engineers designing, building, and executing tests. Experience in conducting hands-on R&D on mass transport systems (gas preferred, liquid OK) with materials interactions required. Experience in tritium processing is a plus but not required.

What you'll do:

• Lead a team of engineers and scientists to execute their test plans
• Identify and collaborate with teams to structure tests to maximize data and learnings while minimizing scope creep ensuring testing is strategic with clear outcomes
• Ensure the team is trained appropriately for hazard management and approve test plans and test readiness
• Partner with the director on developing a strategy and testing plan for early ARC R&D
• Accountable for managing risk burn-down, budgets, schedules, and other resource requirements to execute testing under their purview
• Communicate results with director through written reports, weekly meetings, possibly external as well
• Manage the engineers who complete the testing and grow skillsets for advancing careers at CFS
• Onboard direct reports to the team or integrated product team members to the team
• Give and receive feedback to always continue improving culture and work
• Demonstrate CFS values and coach others on when and how to use those values in decision making
• Challenge assumptions and ensure work meets the appropriate level of rigor
• Hold team accountable to their work plans
• Report up to director, down to team from supervisor meetings, and across as needed to build an integrated culture that can support the successful execution of FUEL systems

What we’re looking for:

• Master’s degree with 4+ years of industrial R&D experience 
• Doctoral degree or similar experience in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, physical chemistry, applied physics, materials science
• 5+ years of experience in industry with a track record of excellence 
• 2+ years of experience managing a team
• Either:
• * Experience building vacuum systems and knowledge of measurement techniques 
• * Knowledge of transport phenomena or intramolecular forces and chemical processes in gasses 
• * or a materials and mass transport in devices background
• Laboratory experience handling hazardous materials
• Design of experiments
• Scientific writing and presentations
• Integration of modeling and experiments to determine phenomena
• Ability to build collaborations
• Ability to lead and manage projects
• Ability to manage resources

Bonus points:

• Experience working on tritium systems (can be trained)
• Knowledge of hydrogen surface chemistry
• Experience in hydrogen separation and measurement methods
• Multi-physics or multiscale modeling

Essential 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
• #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.