Head of Systems Engineering – Fusion Hardware

Realta Fusion; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity stock options

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k)

Flexible PTO

Work in Madison, WI

Job summary

Realta Fusion in Madison, Wisconsin is seeking a Head of Systems Engineering to lead system architecture, requirements management, and full-system integration for our first‑of‑a‑kind fusion devices from experimental prototypes to commercial deployment.

You will coordinate plasma physics, mechanical, electrical, nuclear, and controls teams, establish verification and validation strategies, and mentor a growing systems engineering group.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of systems engineering experience in complex hardware programs.
• 5+ years leading systems engineering teams or serving as chief engineer.
• Track record integrating multidisciplinary systems from requirements through commissioning.
• Experience with aerospace/defense/energy or research facilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain system architecture across experimental to commercial product lines.
• Establish and manage technical requirements from physics performance to safety and regulatory constraints.
• Lead system decomposition, allocation, and interface control across subsystems.
• Drive design trades balancing performance, cost, schedule, and manufacturability.
• Oversee verification, validation, and integration activities.
• Build and mentor the systems engineering team; scale from 2-3 to 8-12.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leads and executive leadership on priorities.

Skills

Systems engineering

Requirements management

MBSE

V&V

Interface management

Cross-functional leadership

DOORS

Cameo

Modeling & simulation

Regulatory compliance

Education

BS in Systems Engineering or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

DOORS

Cameo

Modeling tools

Job description

Realta Fusion in Madison, Wisconsin is seeking a Head of Systems Engineering to lead system architecture, requirements management, and full-system integration for our first‑of‑a‑kind fusion devices from experimental prototypes to commercial deployment.

You will coordinate plasma physics, mechanical, electrical, nuclear, and controls teams, establish verification and validation strategies, and mentor a growing systems engineering group.