Senior Director of Operations

Commonwealth Fusion Systems•Devens, MA

3d•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, we’re designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And we're working with policymakers, suppliers, and many others to build the energy industry of the future. We’re in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we’ve raised $4 billion of capital, making us the largest and leading fusion company in the world. 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 Senior Director of Operations Are you an experienced operational leader who leads by example and genuinely thrives on the manufacturing floor? We are seeking a dynamic, hands-on Senior Director of Operations to own our manufacturing execution. In this role, you will be the driving force on the floor, building magnets for a First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) fusion facility. If you are energized by solving unprecedented technical challenges, establishing brand-new operational standards, and translating rapid engineering iterations into crisp, confident execution, this is your next milestone.

Requirements

Extensive experience in a senior operations or production executive role (e.g., Senior Director of Production, Director of Operations) managing multi-layered teams
Proven success leading operations through commissioning, qualification, and hyper-growth ramp-up phases
Exceptional emotional intelligence with a demonstrated ability to transition a team through high-stress, ambiguous operational phases using supportive, clear coaching frameworks
Outstanding root-cause analysis skills
Ability to diagnose and solve unprecedented technical and mechanical issues from scratch
A track record of keeping teams motivated, focused, and safe during the inevitable trial-and-error phases of launching a novel technology
Deep practical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), or other asset-reliability frameworks
Exceptional interpersonal skills to collaborate cross-functionally and present operational performance metrics effectively to executive stakeholders
This role typically involves working in both office and manufacturing environments
May require travel to various manufacturing sites and supplier locations
Perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
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

Responsibilities

Maintain a highly visible, hands-on presence across our 24x7 manufacturing operations to support teams and ensure seamless daily execution
Act as a steadying force for the plant and advocate for team needs
Anchor operations in a deeply embedded safety culture. Actively help team remove roadblocks and move faster
Manage, mentor, and empower a team of Production Directors
Design and oversee technical and leadership development frameworks to ensure shift supervisors, line leads, and engineers can operate in a fast-paced environment with high uncertainty
Cultivate an environment that balances high accountability with the psychological safety required to surface and solve first-time failures collectively
Partner closely with peers in Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and EHSS to ensure rapid execution
Scope, plan, and execute new manufacturing initiatives, managing them from inception through commissioning to timely completion within budget constraints
Implement lean manufacturing principles to rapidly map new value streams, optimize process flows, improve efficiency, and reduce operational costs
Oversee all manufacturing operations to guarantee that every output meets or exceeds the company's stringent quality standards and customer requirements