Senior Director, SPARC Plant Operations
Commonwealth Fusion SystemsDevens, MA
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Overview
Schedule
Alternate-schedule
Full-time
Education
Engineering (PE)
Career level
Executive
Remote
On-site
Benefits
Paid Vacation
Career Development
Job Description
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 Utilization
- Develop and manage shift schedules, on-call rotations and vacation planning to ensure 24/7 operational coverage and readiness
- Collaborate with the SPARC Plant Engineering and SPARC Plasma Operations team to ensure the plant is functionally ready to execute operational experiments
- Oversee all daily pre-operational checks and plant startup/shutdown procedures
- Manage 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 protocols
- Develop and implement comprehensive training programs, including initial qualification, continuing training, and specialized skill development
- Develop and implement plant operations work controls, energy control procedures, and simultaneous operations coordination processes
- Develop and implement robust alarm and notification systems and standards for efficient operator response to maintain facility integrity and personnel safety
- Maintenance and Asset Management
- Develop and execute a comprehensive plant maintenance strategy, incorporating preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance
- Plan and manage the schedule for all maintenance windows, minimizing downtime and maximizing plant availability
- Oversee the execution of all maintenance activities, ensuring work is performed safely, to a high standard, and documented correctly
- Work with the Engineering team to plan and carry out necessary maintenance and upgrades in between scheduled usage
- Continuous Improvement and Performance
- Track key reliability metrics to understand overall performance
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement by actively identifying opportunities to enhance safety, reduce operational costs, and increase plant efficiency and reliability
- Lead cross-functional teams to execute continuous improvement projects using Root Cause Analysis and other similar methodologies
- Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for plant operations and use data-driven insights to guide improvement initiatives
- Team
- Recruit, hire, and onboard a high-performing team of plant operators, technicians, and support staff
- Foster a strong, positive, and safety-first culture within the operations team
- Authorities
- Approve and enforce all operating procedures, training manuals, and protocols
- Execute maintenance work orders and direct the execution of scheduled maintenance and upgrade projects planned in coordination with the SPARC Engineering Director
- Make decisions regarding hiring and mentoring of the Operations Team
- Manage and direct the utilization of external maintenance contracts to provide surge support and specialized maintenance
- Shutdown operation of the machine if immediate personnel safety or facility integrity is compromised
- Accountabilities
- Accountable for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the SPARC facility strictly within design basis operating parameters
- Accountable for maintaining 24/7 operational readiness and full staffing coverage of all critical shifts
- Accountable for the quality, accuracy, and standardization of all operations and maintenance procedures
- Accountable for effective collaboration with the SPARC Engineering team to execute scheduled maintenance and maximize facility availability for experiments
What we’re looking for:
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering field or equivalent experience
- 15+ years experience managing operations of large process facilities, such as power plants, scientific facilities, or process manufacturing facilities
- Experience with operating large process systems, such as a power plant, chemicals, oil/gas, cryogenics, or others
- Experienced managing salaried and hourly staff
- Strong people management skills of both small and large teams
- Leadership, team-building, and mentoring skills for both engineers and technicians
- Demonstrated ability to build trust with front line employees and identify issues first hand
- Executes long-term departmental strategy using sound judgment to align tactical initiatives with overall organizational goals
- Ensures cross-functional alignment through proven, effective communication with diverse stakeholders and executive leadership
- Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment
- Strong attention to safety and the creation of a safety culture
Bonus points for:
- Operational experience with first-of-a-kind facilities or other new technology
- Experience with commissioning of plant process systems
- Experience working in radiation controlled environments
Must-have requirements:
- Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, typing standing or sitting for extended periods of time
- Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call
- 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
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.
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FAQs About Senior Director, SPARC Plant Operations Jobs at Commonwealth Fusion Systems
What is the work location for this position at Commonwealth Fusion Systems?
This job at Commonwealth Fusion Systems is located in Devens, MA, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.
What pay range can candidates expect for this role at Commonwealth Fusion Systems?
Employer has not shared pay details for this role.
What employment applies to this position at Commonwealth Fusion Systems?
Commonwealth Fusion Systems lists this position under the following employment categories:
- Alternate-schedule
- Full-time
What experience level is required for this role at Commonwealth Fusion Systems?
Commonwealth Fusion Systems is looking for a candidate with "Executive" experience level.
What education level is required for this job?
The education requirement for this position is Engineering (PE). Candidates with relevant qualifications or equivalent experience may also be considered.
What benefits are offered by Commonwealth Fusion Systems for this role?
Commonwealth Fusion Systems offers following benefits: Paid Vacation and Career Development for this position. Actual benefits may vary depending on the employer's policies and employment terms.
What is the process to apply for this position at Commonwealth Fusion Systems?
You can apply for this role at Commonwealth Fusion Systems either through Sonara's automated application system, which helps you submit applications 10X faster with minimal effort, or by applying manually using the direct link on the job page.