Vice President of Manufacturing

About the Company

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is focused on accelerating the shift to fusion energy. The company combines years of research, strong technical talent, and emerging technologies to design and build fusion power plants that can be deployed commercially. It also works with policymakers and suppliers to help shape the future energy ecosystem.

Founded in 2018, the company has raised nearly $3 billion in capital and is recognized as the largest private fusion company in the world. It is seeking driven, inventive, and collaborative people who want to solve difficult problems and contribute to a mission-led team.

Role Overview

As Vice President of Manufacturing, you will lead manufacturing operations and ensure production runs efficiently, reliably, and to the highest quality standards. This role is responsible for building strategies that improve productivity, make effective use of resources, and support a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence. You will also help drive production outcomes, establish metrics aligned to business goals, and manage production-related risks while partnering closely with R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and EHSS leaders.

Key Responsibilities

You will oversee end-to-end manufacturing execution, guide long-range planning and budgeting, lead and develop the operations organization, support the adoption of advanced technologies, and ensure strong quality and compliance practices. The role also includes financial stewardship, risk management, and reporting operational performance to executive leadership.

Operational Leadership

• Direct all manufacturing activities so output meets quality expectations and customer needs.
• Apply lean methods and continuous-improvement programs to strengthen performance.
• Improve production flow and reduce operating costs through process optimization.

Planning, Strategy, and Risk Management

• Create and execute operating plans that support company-wide objectives.
• Lead multi-year operational planning and budget development.
• Identify operational risks early and put mitigation plans in place.

Team Building and Leadership

• Recruit, lead, coach, and develop a high-performing operations team.
• Encourage ownership, teamwork, and innovation across the organization.
• Support strong performance across diverse functions and multi-shift environments.

Technology and Process Improvement

• Introduce new technologies into production processes without disrupting operations.
• Work with R&D and IT to deploy and manage manufacturing advancements.
• Scale best practices across plants and incorporate them into a Center of Excellence model.

Quality, Compliance, and Safety

• Ensure manufacturing activities follow industry standards, safety rules, and quality procedures.
• Maintain effective quality assurance systems across operations.
• Resolve operational issues that could impact product quality or regulatory compliance.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the operations budget.
• Track operating costs and identify opportunities to save money.
• Present operational and financial performance updates to executive stakeholders.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related discipline; an MBA or higher degree is preferred. You should bring senior-level experience in tough-tech manufacturing, including plant leadership, Center of Excellence development, and oversight of large teams working across multiple shifts. Strong expertise in manufacturing systems, lean practices, quality management, process engineering, and large-scale continuous improvement programs such as Kaizen, Lean, and Six Sigma is important, along with proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and communicate effectively.

Work Environment and Other Requirements

This position is based in a setting that combines office and manufacturing floor work. It may involve travel to other production sites and supplier facilities. The role can require extended working hours when business needs demand it. Candidates should be comfortable with prolonged typing, standing, or sitting. The work environment may include industrial hazards such as heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics.

Equal Opportunity and Compliance

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is an equal opportunity employer and evaluates all qualified applicants fairly, regardless of protected characteristics under applicable law. Employment is also subject to compliance with U.S. export control laws covering controlled or protected technologies and information, and any offer will depend on meeting those requirements.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time role with salary, equity, and benefits. The specific pay will be determined by level, location, qualifications, and experience. Benefits include competitive compensation with equity, 13 company-wide holidays, flexible vacation, 10 sick days, generous parental leave, health/dental/vision coverage, a 401(k) with employer match, professional growth opportunities, and team-building activities.