General Manager, SPARC Plant

Commonwealth Fusion Systems•Devens, MA

9d•$275,000 - $350,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy. Combining decades of research, top talent, and new technologies, weâre designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And working with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future. Weâre in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, weâve raised nearly $3 billion in capital, making us the largest and leading private fusion company in the world. Now weâre looking for more thinkers, doers, builders, and makers to join us. People whoâll bring new perspectives, solve tough problems, and thrive as part of a team. If thatâs you and this role fits, we want to hear from you. Join the power movement as General Manager, SPARC Plant In 2021, CFS demonstrated to the world its large-bore, high-temperature superconducting magnets. This technology unpins the toroidal field magnets being built into the SPARC tokamak at our headquarters in Devens, MA. The construction of plant systems is being completed, custom-engineered core tokamak components are being assembled and the tokamak control and measurements systems are being built and tested. CFS is looking to move SPARC from the design and building phase to commissioning and operation and use it to demonstrate commercially viable fusion energy. This leadership role has the mandate to run the first-of-a-kind SPARC facility, ensuring timely success of our net-energy demonstration and its further use to quickly inform the design of ARC. You will be responsible for maximizing facility uptime and ensuring a new normal of scientific and engineering progress from a major fusion facility. This will include building and leading a world-class team that operates SPARC, harnessing the knowledge and skills of both CFS staff and our worldwide partners. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be at the threshold of discovery and innovation, leading the team that will prove commercial fusion energy is achievable.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Nuclear), Physics, or a related technical field. A Master's, PhD, or MBA is highly desirable
15+ years of progressive experience, with at least 8-10 years in a senior leadership role managing a complex, high-consequence technical facility (e.g., power plant, national laboratory, semiconductor fab, large-scale manufacturing). This includes a demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team of at least 200+ employees, including a mix of direct reports and managers
Extensive experience operating and maintaining large process systems, including but not limited to chemicals, cryogenics, oil/gas, or similar large-scale infrastructure
Robust technical knowledge of complex processes and electrical systems common in large facilities
Directed a $500M plus lab or research effort, from its initial scientific concept and development to the final construction and operational launch
Proven track record of building, leading, and mentoring high-performing technical and operational teams
Demonstrated experience in operational excellence, including developing and implementing novel processes, managing large budgets, and strategic resource planning
Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire a team and articulate complex technical and strategic concepts to a wide variety of audiences
Strong people management skills of both small and large teams
Leadership, team-building, and mentoring skills for both engineers and technicians
Demonstration of the ability to build trust with front line employees and identify issues first hand
Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment
Strong attention to safety and the creation of a safety culture
Perform activities such as typing or sitting for extended periods of time
Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call
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

Nice To Haves

Experience with the commissioning and operation of first-of-a-kind systems or facilities is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Oversee all aspects of the SPARC Plant, reporting to the CEO, to ensure timely achievement of SPARCâs operational milestones
Lead, build, and mentor the entire SPARC Plant team, setting a tone for a safe, positive, collaborative, and high-performance culture
Coordinate with senior leadership across CFS to understand company priorities and ensure SPARC operations support planned and emerging strategic needs
Develop and manage the SPARC Plant's overall schedule, budget and staffing plans. Help teams balance needs for operations, repairs and enhancements using finite resources
Establish, improve and monitor metrics that will lead to efficient, and effective operation of an industrially-led fusion facility. Hold accountable people over a wide range of technical disciplines
Help develop external partnerships with the wider scientific community , utilizing leadership and communication skills to reach those outside of CFS