Vice President of Manufacturing

About the Company

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is focused on accelerating the move to fusion energy. The organization combines long-running research, strong technical talent, and new technology to design and build commercially viable fusion power plants. It also works with policymakers and suppliers to help shape the energy industry of the future. Since 2018, the company has raised nearly $3 billion, making it the largest and leading private fusion company in the world.

The team is seeking people who like to build, solve hard problems, and work collaboratively. The company values mission-driven contributors with fresh viewpoints who thrive in a fast-moving environment.

Role Summary

The Vice President of Manufacturing will lead manufacturing operations end to end, making sure production runs smoothly, efficiently, and at a high quality standard. This leader will shape operating strategy, improve productivity, manage risk, and support a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. The role partners closely with leadership in R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and EHSS to keep priorities aligned and operations performing well.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct all manufacturing activity so output meets quality expectations and customer needs.
• Apply lean manufacturing methods and ongoing improvement programs to raise efficiency and reduce waste.
• Streamline production workflows to improve throughput and lower operating costs.
• Create and execute operating plans that support company goals.
• Own long-range planning and budgeting for manufacturing operations.
• Identify operational risks early and put mitigation plans in place.
• Recruit, guide, and develop a high-performing operations organization.
• Encourage accountability, teamwork, and innovation across the group.
• Introduce new technologies into current processes while protecting operational continuity.
• Work with R&D and IT to deploy and manage technology improvements.
• Ensure compliance with industry requirements, safety rules, and quality procedures.
• Build and maintain strong quality assurance systems.
• Resolve issues that could affect product quality or regulatory compliance.
• Prepare and manage the operating budget.
• Track spending and look for opportunities to save costs.
• Present operational and financial performance updates to executive leadership.

What the Company Is Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related discipline; an MBA or other advanced degree is preferred.
• Extensive senior-level experience in tough-tech manufacturing, including plant leadership, Manufacturing Center of Excellence work, and oversight of large teams across multiple shifts.
• Strong command of manufacturing methods, lean principles, and quality management systems, with practical experience scaling best practices across plants and standardizing them through a center of excellence model.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams across different functions while promoting collaboration, safety, and accountability.
• Experience with technology adoption and advanced manufacturing approaches.
• Solid background in strategic planning, process engineering, and large-scale continuous improvement programs such as Kaizen, Lean, and Six Sigma.
• Strong financial understanding and direct experience managing budgets and performance against financial targets.
• Excellent communication and people skills.

Work Conditions and Additional Requirements

• This position combines office-based and manufacturing-floor work.
• Travel may be required to manufacturing sites and supplier locations.
• Extended working hours may be needed depending on business demands.
• The job may involve prolonged typing, standing, or sitting.
• Work takes place in an industrial facility with exposure to heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenic environments.
• Employment is subject to compliance with U.S. export control laws for controlled or protected technologies and information; any offer depends on meeting those legal requirements.

Compensation and Benefits

This full-time role offers a yearly salary range of $275,000 to $375,000, along with equity and benefits. Final pay will depend on level, location, qualifications, and experience. The posted range reflects new-hire pay across all U.S. locations.

• Competitive compensation with equity
• 13 company-wide holidays
• Flexible vacation policy
• 10 sick days
• Generous parental leave
• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer match
• Professional development opportunities
• Team-building activities

Culture and Equal Opportunity

The company values integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique, and it thrives in fast-paced settings. It is committed to inclusive hiring and considers all qualified candidates without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.