Project Manager

Inertia; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Inertia in Livermore, CA is seeking a seasoned Project Manager to lead multiple concurrent, cross-functional technical programs from concept through execution. You will coordinate schedules, budgets, resources, risks, and stakeholder communications in a fast-paced, science-driven environment.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in technical project management, a STEM degree, and certifications such as PMP/PRINCE2/Agile.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in project management within a technical or scientific environment.
• PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile/Scrum certifications.
• Proven ability to lead projects independently and drive outcomes without heavy oversight.
• Strong experience in project lifecycle.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross functionally and drive deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple concurrent projects from initiation through execution.
• Coordinate end-to-end execution of projects with project lead, including requirements gathering and managing schedule, budget, and deliverables.
• Drive project progress by tracking tasks, timelines, and accountability across teams.
• Facilitate cross-functional discussions, resolve conflicts and drive decisions forward.
• Develop project plans, charters, and reporting to communicate status, risks, and milestones clearly.
• Identify and mitigate risks, removing blockers to keep projects on track.
• Apply technical understanding to support decision-making and guide project direction.
• Proactively identify and resolve challenges by coordinating resources and priorities.
• Monitor project performance and recommend corrective actions.
• Oversee day-to-day project management of $100M+ projects.

Skills

Project management

Technical background

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics

Tools

MS Project

Jira

Job description

Inertia is seeking a highly driven Project Manager to lead multiple concurrent, cross-functional technical programs from concept through execution. Working closely with technical leads, you will drive project planning, execution, and delivery by managing schedules, budgets, resources, risks, and stakeholder communication.

The ideal candidate combines strong project management expertise with a technical background in engineering, laser systems, or another hard science discipline. You are a proactive problem solver, an exceptional communicator, and a collaborative leader who can drive accountability and deliver results in a fast-paced, technically complex environment.

What You'll Get to Do

Project Initiation

Manage multiple concurrent projects from initiation through to execution.

Coordinate end-to-end execution of projects with project lead, including gathering requirements and managing schedule, budget, and deliverables.

Drive project progress by tracking tasks, managing timelines, and ensuring accountability across teams.

Facilitate and lead cross-functional discussions, resolving conflicts and driving decisions forward.

Develop project plans, charters, and reporting to communicate status, risks, and milestones clearly.

Identify and mitigate risks, removing blockers to keep projects on track.

Apply technical understanding to support decision-making and guide project direction.

Project Execution

Proactively identify and resolve project challenges by coordinating resources and priorities.

Monitor project performance and recommend corrective actions.

Over see day-to-day project management of $100M+ projects.

What You Bring to Inertia

5+ years of experience in project management within a technical or scientific environment (Laser experience preferred).

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or related technical/science field.

PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile/Scrum certifications.

Proven ability to lead projects independently and drive outcomes without heavy oversight.

Strong experience in project lifecycle.

Demonstrated ability to work cross functionally and drive deliverables.

Experience with project management tools (MS Project required; Jira a plus).

Excellent communication skills, including the ability to summarize complex information clearly.

Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

Salary & Benefits:

The base salary range for this role is $120,000 - $150,000; The pay range provided is an estimated base range for this role. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and education.

We offer market-competitive compensation and an excellent benefits program, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, company-paid holidays, matching 401k, and more!

About Inertia:

Inertia is taking the most direct, scientifically-proven path to commercializing fusion, leveraging the only successful achievement of fusion ignition, using a process that was pioneered at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). With groundbreaking innovation, transformative technology, and multi-year investment, Inertia is committed to commercializing fusion energy in the next decade.

This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls, security classification and/or designation as Controlled Unclassified Information. Employment in this position is conditioned on the candidate’s eligibility for, obtaining and maintaining appropriate government authorization to access technology or information, to the extent required, including without limitation a security clearance, export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items technology or information.