Senior Technical Project Manager

Milpitas, CA
R&D – Superconductor R&D /
Full-time /
On-site
About Commonwealth Fusion Systems: 

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 over $2 billion in capital – more than any other fusion energy company in the U.S.

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 Senior Technical Project Manager

We are seeking an exceptional and results-driven Technical Project Manager to join our Superconducting R&D team in Milpitas, CA.

Key Responsibility - Project Leadership:

    • Drive engineering projects within Superconducting from inception to completion:
    • ➢    Near-term focus will be driving Superconducting systems through final design, working with a cross-functional team of engineers, scientists, designers, and analysts
    • ➢    Longer-term focus: Lead and oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of complex engineering projects, including design, procurement, and build activities
    • Take ownership of project success: set project milestones & ensuring all deliverables are met while adhering to strict budget and timeline parameters
    • Develop comprehensive project plans, outlining project scope, goals, deliverables, resources, and timeline to meet strategic targets

Key Responsibility - Cross-functional Collaboration:

    • Lead a cross-functional team composed of engineers, designers, analysts, procurement specialists, and other stakeholders
    • Foster a collaborative and high-performance team culture to drive project execution and achieve collective goals

Key Responsibility - Budget & Schedule Management:

    • May own responsibility, authority, and accountability for cost & schedule along with driving critical risk-based decisions throughout the project life cycle
    • Monitor project timelines rigorously, identifying potential delays, devising, and implementing mitigation strategies to maintain project schedule
    • Keep stakeholders informed about project progress through regular updates and reporting

Key Responsibility - Risk Management:

    • Lead the active management of risks throughout the project lifecycle: Identifying risks, developing & driving mitigation plans, keep stakeholders informed about progress of risks through regular updates & risk reporting

What we’re looking for:

    • Proven track record of managing complex engineering projects with excellent project management skills, exceptional leadership abilities, and a deep understanding of technical project lifecycles
    • Minimum 8-10 years of experience in engineering and project management working with a wide range of engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical and other areas
    • Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
    • Strong sense of self-motivation and personal accountability regarding decision-making and supervising teams
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels
    • Possess a thorough understanding of project management, planning, and scheduling methods and techniques.
    • Exceptional planning, organizational, and time management skills.
    • Thorough understanding of engineering product life-cycle with experience in driving products through phase-gate design reviews such as CDR, PDR, FDR or equivalent
    • Keen attention to safety.
    • Strong leadership abilities; comfortable taking on exciting challenges with minimal supervision.
    • Dynamic and creative: Thrives in a fast-paced environment where several interdependent technologies are being developed simultaneously. Foster an environment of innovation and creative problem-solving within the project team
    • Team oriented: Comfortable and energized by working in a team with a wide variety of backgrounds and skillsets. You welcome constructive feedback and different perspectives

Bonus points:

    • Experience with magnets, large/heavy assembly processes, thermo-mechanical assemblies, machining, welding, and/or VPI (vacuum pressure impregnation) is preferred
    • Experience working with Jira, Confluence
    • Experience with scheduling tools such as MS Project, P6 or equivalent
    • PMP, PRINCE2, or similar project management certification is a plus

Essential Requirements:

    • Willingness to travel when required or work required nights/weekends/on-call
    • Perform activities such as typing, stooping, climbing, 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
    • #LI-Onsite
$150,000 - $250,000 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 the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations.
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.