Chief Engineer - Plant Design and Engineering

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 a Chief Engineer - Plant Design and Engineering

The Chief Engineer has the responsibility for providing technical expertise and leadership in the planning, engineering, design, implementation, and support of highly engineered systems that will enable the functioning of a fusion power plant. Essential to the role will be the ability to examine the interactions of these various systems to ensure the integrated functioning performs as expected as well as proper functioning at the interface points between these systems. The successful Candidate will be responsible for providing technical support to the engineering and delivery teams, assist in defining functional requirements as well as participate in the review of designs, leading of technical tradeoff studies, determining applicable codes and standards, and defining of system architectures.

The successful Candidate must have strong technical knowledge and skills of process piping, process equipment, process design, and associated support systems of a thermal power plant of significant size. They do not need prior fusion experience as this will be taught on the job. The Candidate must have a demonstrated ability to review and comment on designs and provide clear technical feedback. The position requires an excellent working knowledge of the project delivery process including planning, design, manufacturing, construction and commissioning, and qualification. This position will work with in-house Engineering teams, R&D, Project/Construction Managers, partner firms, contractors, vendors, to design, deliver, and start up new facilities and systems.

What you'll do

• Function as the Design Authority for SPARC and ARC Balance of Plant (BOP) systems, components, and structures supporting the fusion machine
• Oversee design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical products and systems. Responsible for establishing the design requirements and ensuring that design output documentation appropriately and accurately reflect the design basis
• Support the implementation of design at the job site, identifying, and communicating issues and facilitating their resolution. The candidate must also be capable of determining requirements and approaches for testing at both system and equipment levels
• Provide consultation and guidance through the design phases of a project including Design Basis development, concept, preliminary and detailed engineering and design, as well as development of detailed specifications for highly engineered equipment
• Provide high-level technical guidance and support to resolve complex design issues, ensuring continuous progress on design aspects of projects
• Understand the delivery trade-offs in terms of schedule, budget, manufacturability of different technical paths and align these with business objectives
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced staff, fostering a culture of learning and expertise development
• Work in a collaborative team environment with the opportunity for frequent interaction with team members
• Develop analytical processes/tools to improve effectiveness, quality, and efficiency of the engineering development effort
• Investigate emerging technologies to develop future product designs to meet projected requirements
• Prepare technical presentations and briefing them to customers, partners, and technical leadership teams

What we’re looking for

• Degreed Engineer and a minimum of 20 years’ experience in the engineering, design and installation of highly engineered mechanical, process, and electrical systems and equipment
• Experience is the design of complex process systems for the pharmaceutical, chemical, power or petroleum industries
• Experience managing process engineering teams
• Strong technical knowledge and skills in the process systems in a thermal power plant
• Effective meeting management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to dig into details
• Ability to work independently with little day–to–day direction
• Leadership of technical teams delivering highly complex designs

Must-have Requirements

• 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
• Perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally

$150,000 - $300,000 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.