Manufacturing Director

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy.

CFS collaborates with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with groundbreaking new high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost. Our mission is to deploy these power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. To that end, CFS has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by the world’s leading investors, CFS is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. To implement this plan, we are looking to add dedicated people to the team who treat people well, improve our work by adding multifaceted perspectives and new ways of solving problems, have achieved outstanding results through a range of pursuits, and have skills and experience related to this role.

CFS Manufacturing Directors are the main drivers of building CFS’ innovative, world-changing technology in time to make a difference for our planet. In this role, you will be responsible for one of CFS’ main production lines for SPARC, our first commercial fusion prototype device. You will manage a cross-functional, collaborative team to develop new manufacturing processes and equipment, ramp-up to full-scale production, and drive continuous improvement of the production line. You will be responsible for developing and building your team and executing plans to meet the company’s strategic goals. Your areas of focus are team leadership, technical project management, and manufacturing process development and scaling.

This team member will:

• Manage and lead a team of manufacturing engineers, equipment engineers, and technicians responsible for the manufacturing of high-temperature superconducting magnets for SPARC
• Own process development and stabilization of CFS’ largest volume production line from initial low-volume R&D to full-scale production
• Own the strategy and vision to lead the team to build in-house products safely, quickly, and reliably to achieve company milestones
• Project manage the builds of production hardware collaboratively with a diverse team of equipment engineers, technicians, R&D engineers, facilities, EHS, quality, and external contractors. Organize project milestones and schedule to meet strategic targets
• Develop and oversee project plans and budget including capital equipment, cost management strategies, and resource allocation
• Communicate project status, risks, and resource requirements to the team & senior leadership
• Develop business processes and lead the team using lean manufacturing principles, process flow maps, work instructions, and nonconformance management
• Influence make vs. buy decisions and work with external vendors to augment internal capabilities

The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of these requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering field is required
• 10+ years’ experience as a manufacturing engineering director or senior manager in new manufacturing production launch / new facility startups
• Experience taking products from R&D into production, including developing manufacturing techniques to transition from manual to automated processes
• Project management experience working with internal customers and external vendors to deliver manufactured hardware within specified timelines and budgets
• Leadership, team building, and mentoring skills
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated understanding of project management processes, strategies, and methods
• Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing rising talent in engineering disciplines
• Excellent time management and organizational skills and experience establishing guidelines in these areas for others
• Strong sense of personal accountability regarding decision-making and supervising department teams
• Experience working in a high-level collaborative environment and promoting a teamwork mentality
• Managerial experience applying analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Flexible thinking, including the ability to pivot and try new approaches when faced with challenges
• Proficiency using presentation software to explain complex information to non-technical management personnel and other stakeholders
• Ability to work on multiple projects in various stages simultaneously

Additional preferred experience and/or qualifications:

• 15+ years’ experience in leadership roles for new manufacturing production line launches
• Experience with electromagnets, superconductors, thin film applications, assembly processes, thermo-mechanical assemblies, or laboratory testing is preferred
• Experience with the application of Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies
• Experience developing ERP/MES/testing software in manufacturing start-up environments
• Perform activities such as stooping, typing, standing, sitting, or high magnetic field for extended periods of time
• Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally

CFS team members thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have demonstrated exceptional results through a range of different pursuits. We all tightly align with our company values of integrity, execution, impact and self-critique. As we grow, we are looking to add talented people who are mission driven and bring diverse perspectives and new ways of solving problems.

At CFS, we deeply value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis 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, ordinance, or regulation.