Senior Director, SPARC Plant Operations

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 we're 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.What you'll do: Plant UtilizationDevelop and manage shift schedules, on-call rotations and vacation planning to ensure 24/7 operational coverage and readinessCollaborate with the SPARC Plant Engineering and SPARC Plasma Operations team to ensure the plant is functionally ready to execute operational experimentsOversee all daily pre-operational checks and plant startup/shutdown proceduresManage all operational consumables and spares (e.g. gases, cryogens, chemicals, diesel fuel, equipment spare parts)Operations Programs Develop and maintain plant operations manuals, procedures, and emergency response protocolsDevelop and implement comprehensive training programs, including initial qualification, continuing training, and specialized skill developmentDevelop and implement plant operations work controls, energy control procedures, and simultaneous operations coordination processesDevelop and implement robust alarm and notification systems and standards for efficient operator response to maintain facility integrity and personnel safetyMaintenance and Asset ManagementDevelop and execute a comprehensive plant maintenance strategy, incorporating preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenancePlan and manage the schedule for all maintenance windows, minimizing downtime and maximizing plant availabilityOversee the execution of all maintenance activities, ensuring work is performed safely, to a high standard, and documented correctlyWork with the Engineering team to plan and carry out necessary maintenance and upgrades in between scheduled usageContinuous Improvement and PerformanceTrack key reliability metrics to understand overall performanceChampion a culture of continuous improvement by actively identifying opportunities to enhance safety, reduce operational costs, and increase plant efficiency and reliabilityLead cross-functional teams to execute continuous improvement projects using Root Cause Analysis and other similar methodologiesDevelop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for plant operations and use data-driven insights to guide improvement initiativesTeamRecruit, hire, and onboard a high-performing team of plant operators, technicians, and support staffFoster a strong, positive, and safety-first culture within the operations teamAuthoritiesApprove and enforce all operating procedures, training manuals, and protocolsExecute maintenance work orders and direct the execution of scheduled maintenance and upgrade projects planned in coordination with the SPARC Engineering DirectorMake decisions regarding hiring and mentoring of the Operations TeamManage and direct the utilization of external maintenance contracts to provide surge support and specialized maintenanceShutdown operation of the machine if immediate personnel safety or facility integrity is compromisedAccountabilitiesAccountable for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the SPARC facility strictly within design basis operating parametersAccountable for maintaining 24/7 operational readiness and full staffing coverage of all critical shiftsAccountable for the quality, accuracy, and standardization of all operations and maintenance proceduresAccountable for effective collaboration with the SPARC Engineering team to execute scheduled maintenance and maximize facility availability for experimentsWhat we’re looking for:Bachelor's degree in an engineering field or equivalent experience15+ years experience managing operations of large process facilities, such as power plants, scientific facilities, or process manufacturing facilitiesExperience with operating large process systems, such as a power plant, chemicals, oil/gas, cryogenics, or othersExperienced managing salaried and hourly staffStrong people management skills of both small and large teamsLeadership, team-building, and mentoring skills for both engineers and techniciansDemonstrated ability to build trust with front line employees and identify issues first handExecutes long-term departmental strategy using sound judgment to align tactical initiatives with overall organizational goalsEnsures cross-functional alignment through proven, effective communication with diverse stakeholders and executive leadershipAbility to adapt to a rapidly changing environmentStrong attention to safety and the creation of a safety cultureBonus points for: Operational experience with first-of-a-kind facilities or other new technologyExperience with commissioning of plant process systemsExperience working in radiation controlled environmentsMust-have requirements: Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, typing standing or sitting for extended periods of timeWillingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-callWork in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenicsAt 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.