Space & Fusion Optics Program Manager

U.S. Fusion Energy; Southbridge (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Technical Project Manager at AOS leads complex engineering and manufacturing programs from concept through delivery, coordinating mechanical, optical, electrical, software and systems teams while tracking schedules, budgets and technical performance.

He/she interfaces with engineering leadership, customers and suppliers to ensure quality, cost control, and timely completion, overseeing design reviews, risk mitigation, and transition from development to production in a structured programmatic

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field; Master’s/PhD preferred.
• Management training & experience required.
• 5+ years managing technical/engineering projects in manufacturing or product development.
• Strong understanding of engineering design processes and PLM.
• Experience with complex assemblies or high-performance hardware.
• Familiarity with ISO/AS9100 or similar quality systems.
• Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project, others).
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data.

Responsibilities

• Define project scope, requirements, deliverables, and success criteria with leadership and customers.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans across design, procurement, fabrication, assembly, testing.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams (mechanical, optical, electrical, software, systems, manufacturing).
• Manage design reviews (PDR, CDR) and production readiness milestones.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Track costs, labor, materials, and forecast completion costs.
• Ensure configuration control and documentation.
• Oversee supplier performance and long-lead procurements.
• Lead customer communications, status reviews, and technical meetings.
• Support transition from development to production, including validation and qualification.
• Drive continuous improvement in engineering execution and project management.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Technical aptitude

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

MS Project

Job description

The Technical Project Manager at AOS leads complex engineering and manufacturing programs from concept through delivery, coordinating mechanical, optical, electrical, software and systems teams while tracking schedules, budgets and technical performance.

He/she interfaces with engineering leadership, customers and suppliers to ensure quality, cost control, and timely completion, overseeing design reviews, risk mitigation, and transition from development to production in a structured programmatic