Director of Photonics Engineering

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 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.

Join the power movement as Director of Photonics Engineering

CFS is designing SPARC, a tokamak able to achieve net energy plasmas. SPARC includes HTS and copper magnets, thermal shields, vessels and plasma facing components, all subject to large operational loads (thermal, electromagnetic, etc) and competing for space. As the Director of Photonics Engineering, you will manage the engineering staff responsible for designing and delivering the critical photonics based diagnostic devices required to operate SPARC and future power plants.

• Lead the CFS Photonics Engineering team
• Hire and develop outstanding photonics engineers
• Work cross functionally with project leaders to understand their system needs
• Plan, organize and manage the work of the team accordingly
• Create metrics, and delivery goals for the team
• Establish best practices, workflows and standards for the unique domains within photonics engineering (lasers, optical, opto-mechanical, opto-electrical, etc.)
• Set clear design standards and ensure they are aligned with project needs
• Ensure that released drawings and engineering products are correct and of high quality
• Drive team to meet needed deadlines
• Provide guidance and direction to the team to ensure operational and technical excellence
• Work with the other engineering team leaders to resolve technical issues

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or similar engineering discipline) 
• 15+ years of experience in the engineering of complex systems including laser and optical systems
• Experience with developing and designing hardware and software through the use of 3D modeling and simulation software
• 5+ years of supervisory experience with at least 5 individuals
• Experience designing for environments with extreme thermal variations
• Ability to develop and manage design procedures
• Experience with CAD design tools such as: NX, Creo, SolidWorks, Zemax, Code V, etc.
• Ability to clearly express and critique ideas
• Attention to detail
• Emphasis on elegance and simplicity over complexity
• Drive towards commercially viable solutions
• Values that align with our company's values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique

• Experience designing for and operating in ultra-high vacuum environments

• Perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
• Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage, and cryogenics
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally

#LI-Onsite

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.