Field Assembly Manager

Commonwealth Fusion Systems•Devens, MA

23d•Onsite

About The Position

The Field Assembly Manager leads and coordinates overnight assembly operations supporting construction and production of a first-of-its-kind fusion tokamak. The role provides hands-on leadership and direct supervision for Millwright, Welding, and Electrical union trades, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with engineering requirements, quality standards, production schedules, and approved work instructions. The manager coordinates closely with Engineering, Quality, Safety, Supply Chain, union leadership, and day-shift leadership, and helps develop and improve assembly processes in an evolving manufacturing environment. The position is highly visible on the production floor and requires real-time decision-making, coordination of skilled trades, and removal of obstacles to keep critical assembly work moving. The manager oversees high-precision mechanical, electrical, structural, and welded assembly, supports tokamak component and system integration, maintains configuration control, and escalates technical issues when field conditions or documentation require clarification.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field preferred; equivalent manufacturing leadership experience will be considered.
At least 5 years of experience in a complex manufacturing, assembly, construction, or industrial environment.
Strong understanding of mechanical, welding, electrical, and industrial assembly processes.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
Strong understanding of industrial safety practices, including Lockout/Tagout.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stoop, climb, type, and stand or sit for extended periods.
Ability to work in a facility with industrial hazards, including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics.
Willingness to travel or occasionally work required nights, weekends, or on-call.
Employment is contingent on the need to comply with U.S. Export Control Laws.

Nice To Haves

Previous supervisory or leadership experience managing skilled trades is strongly preferred.
Experience working with unionized workforces.
Experience in a high-precision or highly engineered manufacturing environment.
Experience with Lean manufacturing and continuous-improvement methodologies.
Strong computer skills and experience with ERP, MES, scheduling, or production-management systems.

Responsibilities

Lead assembly operations supporting tokamak construction and integration.
Directly supervise and coordinate Millwright, Welding, and Electrical union activities.
Set shift priorities according to the production schedule and critical-path activities; ensure staffing, sequencing, and execution meet daily and weekly objectives.
Monitor production progress and address delays, constraints, and resource issues.
Conduct shift-start meetings to communicate priorities, safety concerns, schedule requirements, and scope changes.
Maintain communication and handoffs between day and night shifts, and prepare detailed shift reports documenting progress, issues, downtime, quality concerns, and outstanding work.
Coordinate work across trades, resolve conflicts, and establish priorities when activities compete for resources or workspace.
Work with union leadership and shop stewards to support effective work execution and positive labor relationships.
Verify employees are assigned work appropriate to their trade, qualifications, and training.
Ensure work areas are prepared and coordinate equipment, tooling, materials, permits, and technical information required for assigned work.
Supervise high-precision mechanical, electrical, structural, and welded tokamak assembly activities.
Ensure assembly work follows engineering drawings, specifications, procedures, and approved work instructions.
Coordinate installation and integration of complex components, systems, and subsystems.
Work with Engineering to clarify drawings, specifications, procedures, or field conditions; identify installation issues and escalate technical problems appropriately.
Support development and continuous improvement of assembly processes and standard work.
Maintain configuration control and prevent unauthorized modifications to engineered systems.
Comply with export control laws concerning controlled or protected technologies or information.