Senior Manager, Process Engineering

Commonwealth Fusion Systems; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation with equity

Flexible vacation days

Generous parental leave

Health/dental/vision insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Professional growth opportunities

Team-building activities

Job summary

Fusion Energy Base is seeking a Senior Manager for Process Engineering in Milpitas, CA. The role involves managing a team and developing unit processes within a fast-paced environment.

Key qualifications include an M.S. in a technical field, significant experience in the industry, and strong leadership skills. Compensation ranges from $150,000 to $225,000 annually with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• M.S. in a technical field or equivalent industrial experience.
• 10+ years of experience as a process engineer in thin film R&D and manufacturing.
• 5+ years of experience managing a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop stable, capable unit processes.
• Create SOPs and workflows, and provide training for staff.
• Manage a team of process engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with equipment engineering for continuous improvement.

Skills

Process engineering concepts

Inorganic materials science

DOE (Design of Experiments)

Materials analysis tools

Team management

Excellent communication

Education

M.S. in materials science, electrical engineering, or physics

10+ years experience in process engineering

5+ years managing a team

Job description

Senior Manager, Process Engineering

Location: Milpitas, CA. Employment type: Full time, On site.

Company Overview

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is a private fusion company dedicated to delivering the urgent transition to fusion energy through design and construction of commercially viable fusion power plants.

Job Summary

The Process Engineering Manager will be responsible for vacuum‑based processes, requiring deep knowledge of inorganic materials science. The role involves managing process engineers and technicians, developing unit processes, creating SOPs, and driving continuous improvement.

Your Responsibilities

• Manage and develop stable, capable unit processes.
• Create SOPs and workflows, and provide training for staff.
• Manage a team of process engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with equipment engineering and integration engineering to drive continuous improvement and achieve technical milestones.
• Develop and use data management systems, including laboratory information management systems.

Required Qualifications

• M.S. in a technical field (materials science, electrical engineering, physics) or equivalent industrial experience.
• 10+ years of experience as a process engineer in thin film R&D and manufacturing.
• 5+ years of experience managing a team.
• Thorough understanding of process engineering concepts and inorganic materials science across a range of synthesis techniques.
• Regular user of designed experiments (DOE).
• Working knowledge of materials analysis tools (optical/electron microscopy, surface probes, NIR probes, x‑ray, transport measurements).
• Experience working with equipment vendors and directing vendor activity.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, startup environment.
• Ability to create work instructions and provide training.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and teamwork skills.

Bonus Points

• Ph.D. preferred.
• Experience in semiconductor, battery, solar cell, optoelectronics or related fields.
• Experience working in a fabrication facility.
• Experience with JMP.

Must‑Have Physical and Safety Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lb occasionally.
• Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods.
• Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards such as heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage, and cryogenics.
• Willingness to travel and work required nights, weekends, on‑call occasions, and compressed work‑week shift schedules.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $150,000 - $225,000 per year, plus equity and benefits. Benefits include competitive compensation with equity, 13 company‑wide holidays, flexible vacation days, 10 sick days, generous parental leave, health/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) with employer matching, professional growth opportunities, and team‑building activities.

EEO Statement

We are an equal‑opportunity employer, and 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.

Compliance with U.S. export control laws is required. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon compliance.