General Manager, SPARC Plant

Job Description

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 nearly $3 billion in capital, making us the largest and leading private 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 General Manager, SPARC Plant

This leadership role has the mandate to run our first-of-a-kind SPARC facility, ensuring its ultimate success. You will be responsible for maximizing facility uptime and scientific learning, building and leading the world-class team that operates SPARC, and shaping a culture of excellence and innovation. This is a unique opportunity to lead the facility that will prove commercial fusion energy is achievable and change the world. This role reports to the CEO.

What you'll do

• Oversee all aspects of the SPARC Plant to ensure maximum uptime, operational readiness, and scientific productivity
• Lead, build, and mentor the entire SPARC Plant team, setting a tone for a positive, collaborative, and high-performance culture
• Collaborate with senior leadership across CFS to understand company priorities and ensure plant operations directly support overall strategic needs
• Develop and manage the plant's budget and staffing plans, deploying resources for maximum productivity and success
• Establish and continuously improve processes and systems to ensure the safe, efficient, and effective operation of a complex, first-of-a-kind fusion facility
• Serve as a key interface between the SPARC Plant team and other leaders within CFS
• Work with the Open Innovation team to support strategic interactions with the external scientific community and other stakeholders

What we're looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Nuclear), Physics, or a related technical field
• 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

Bonus points for

• Master's, PhD, or MBA
• Experience with the commissioning and operation of first-of-a-kind systems or facilities is strongly preferred

Must-have requirements

• 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

$275,000 - $350,000 a year

Salary range for this full-time position + equity + benefits. The actual salary will depend on level, location, qualifications, and experience. The range displayed on each job posting reflects new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Benefits include:

• Competitive compensation with equity
• 12.5 Company-wide Holidays
• Flexible vacation days
• 10 sick days
• Generous parental leave policy
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Professional growth opportunities
• Team-building activities

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.

This role requires compliance with U.S. laws concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information (collectively, "Export Control Laws"). Any offer of employment will be contingent on the need for compliance with such Export Control Laws.