Head of R&D Projects
Devens, MA
R&D – R&D /
Full-time /
On-site
Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy.
CFS collaborates with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with groundbreaking new high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost. Our mission is to deploy these power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. To that end, CFS has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by the world’s leading investors, CFS is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. To implement this plan, we are looking to add dedicated people to the team who treat people well, improve our work by adding multifaceted perspectives and new ways of solving problems, have achieved outstanding results through a range of pursuits, and have skills and experience related to this role.
CFS intends to fully displace fossil fuel production of electricity through a global deployment of thousands of ARC fusion power plants. As we continue to evolve and improve the design of our fusion power plants, we are looking for a Head of R&D Projects to manage our growing portfolio of R&D efforts across the broad spectrum of fusion technologies.
This role will work closely with the Sr. Director of R&D Engineering and will be responsible for safely and quickly carrying out the R&D and testing required to continue advancing and scaling our technology. As Head of R&D Projects, you will be responsible for ensuring that CFS continues to be a center of excellence in the execution of R&D as we continue to rapidly scale. This role reports directly to the Chief Science Officer and will work closely with the CSO and executive leadership of the company to ensure that the R&D division within CFS grows appropriately to execute the expanding scale and scope of R&D projects.
This team member will:
- Successfully execute each project in the R&D project portfolio, facilitated through the technical project manager (TPM) team
- Select and mentor TPMs for each of the projects
- Hire high-level outstanding TPMs when needed
- Work collaboratively (in a matrix organization structure) with the Technical Program leads to define new projects needed and their success criteria
- Work collaboratively (in a matrix organization structure) with the Head of R&D Engineering to staff projects and follow established engineering processes and guidelines
- Work collaboratively with the PMO office to determine which project processes and tools apply to R&D projects and which need to be more tailored.
The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of these requirements:
- 15+ years of experience delivering relevant high tech projects in fast-paced and quickly scaling environments
- Proven ability to lead a portfolio of 30+ projects in a range of disciplines
- Results oriented, get-stuff-done leadership
- Proven ability to successfully deliver complex projects on time and within budget
- Proven ability to work in a matrix structure
- Experience working in an R&D setting where large hardware and testing is involved
- Exceptional problem-solving skills
- A strong ability to understand deeply technical and complex products, including tokamaks, power plant systems, and superconducting magnet product lines
- Advanced technical degree in an engineering or related field is a plus
Additional preferred experience and/or qualifications:
- Perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
- Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
- Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics
- #LI-Onsite
CFS team members thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have demonstrated exceptional results through a range of different pursuits. We all tightly align with our company values of integrity, execution, impact and self-critique. As we grow, we are looking to add talented people who are mission driven and bring diverse perspectives and new ways of solving problems.
At CFS, we deeply value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis 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, ordinance, or regulation.
