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Full-Time

R&D Technical Program Manager

Posted on 1/18/2024

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

501-1,000 employees

Develops and commercializes fusion energy systems

Hardware
Energy
Social Impact

Expert

Devens, MA, USA

Category
Engineering Management
Product Engineering Management
Required Skills
Communications
Management
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or applied science discipline
  • At least 10 years of experience managing project/program teams
  • At least 10 years of experience managing the development of technical projects
  • Experience using project/product management tools and tracking of projects or products
  • Experience in system-level design
  • Fantastic and clear communication and organizational skills
  • Resource estimation and projection
  • Strong time management skills
  • Self-motivation and autonomy
Responsibilities
  • Manage a medium to large sized development, manufacturing, R&D, or Analysis program to maintain program objectives and hold overall schedules & budget
  • Own the test planning effort for the program to include test facility identification, test article fabrication, test matrix, data collection and transfer and risk reduction activities
  • Work with CFS collaborators to ensure objectives and timelines are communicated and agreed upon
  • Coordinate cross department communication to maintain the master schedule for the program and to manage risk and mitigate it properly when the opportunity arises or elevate project concerns when mitigation is not an option
  • Ask the right questions of the technical team to ensure driving toward a test/test article that will maximize learning in a timely manner for future design efforts
  • Coordinate with the test facility to plan for data reduction and feedback on any testing results in a timely manner
  • Work with the Open Innovation department at CFS to leverage external government/industry/academia support for project(s)
  • Coordinate within the R&D team for resources to support project(s)
  • Act as a mentor to the R&D engineering team and impart best practices
  • Work with procurement to ensure accurate/lean system level purchases that meet program timelines and keep the general cost/schedule/learning cycle moving
  • Grow and lead a team of engineers through the management of and accomplishment of project's objectives
  • Manage R&D engineering consultants associated with project(s), internal to CFS and external
  • Manage relationships with external collaborators including but not limited to external testing facilities, MIT, other US government or international laboratories and facilities as might be required
Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

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Commonwealth Fusion Systems focuses on developing fusion energy as a clean and sustainable power source. The company utilizes advanced magnet technology, created in partnership with MIT, to build smaller and more affordable fusion systems called tokamaks. These devices use magnetic fields to confine plasma, making them an efficient method for achieving fusion. Currently, CFS is manufacturing high-temperature superconducting magnets and constructing SPARC, which aims to be the first commercially viable net energy fusion machine. The success of SPARC will lead to the development of ARC, the first fusion power plant. CFS differentiates itself from competitors by its commitment to scientific integrity and a mission-driven approach, aiming to provide cost-competitive fusion energy to help combat climate change.

Company Stage

Series B

Total Funding

$3.8B

Headquarters

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Founded

2018

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

19%

1 year growth

32%

2 year growth

106%
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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Securing a $15 million agreement with the DOE and multiple INFUSE awards highlights CFS's strong governmental support and potential for rapid growth.
  • The acquisition of additional land for expansion indicates a forward-thinking strategy and readiness for scaling operations.
  • CFS's innovative technology and strategic partnerships position it to be a leader in the clean energy revolution, offering significant career growth opportunities.

What critics are saying

  • The high costs and technical challenges associated with developing fusion energy could delay commercialization and impact financial stability.
  • Dependence on governmental funding and regulatory support introduces uncertainty, especially with changing political landscapes.

What makes Commonwealth Fusion Systems unique

  • CFS leverages revolutionary high-temperature superconducting magnet technology developed with MIT, setting it apart from other fusion energy startups.
  • Their focus on building commercially-relevant net energy fusion machines like SPARC and ARC positions them as frontrunners in the race to achieve practical fusion energy.
  • CFS's mission-driven approach and commitment to scientific integrity ensure a strong alignment with global sustainability goals, unlike competitors who may prioritize short-term gains.

Benefits

12.5 Company-wide Holidays

Our vacation policy is 'take vacation'

Our sick time policy is 'get better and try not to make others sick'

Generous parental leave policy

Health Reimbursement

Health, Dependent Care, & Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Accounts

Delta Dental, Blue 20/20 Vision optional

Wellbeing / Headspace coverage

Short-term & long-term disability

Life and AD&D insurance

401K

INACTIVE