Vice President of Manufacturing

Commonwealth Fusion Systems; Harvard (MA); On-site; USD 275,000 - 375,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity awards

13 company holidays

Flexible vacation days

10 sick days

Parental leave benefit

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Professional growth opportunities

Team-building activities

Job summary

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is seeking a Vice President of Manufacturing to lead strategic manufacturing operations and drive performance, safety, and quality. You will set the vision for lean operations, scale CoE initiatives, and partner with R&D, engineering, and supply chain to deliver reliable, cost-efficient production of advanced fusion-related hardware.

In this role, you will guide budgeting, risk management, and continuous improvement programs across multiple sites, while building and

Qualifications

• Senior operational leadership experience in tough tech/manufacturing.
• Track record in leading plant operations and creating centers of excellence.
• Experience scaling best practices across multiple plants and implementing CoE frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and quality management systems.
• Ability to drive cost reduction, efficiency, and innovation across global operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all manufacturing operations ensuring quality and customer requirements.
• Lead lean initiatives and continuous improvement to optimize production processes.
• Develop and execute operational strategies, long-term planning, and budgeting.
• Build and mentor a high-performing operations team across shifts.
• Integrate new technologies without disrupting operations and collaborate with R&D and IT.
• Maintain compliance with safety and quality standards and manage budgets.

Skills

Lean principles

Six Sigma

Strategic planning

Process engineering

Leadership

Continuous improvement

Financial acumen

Team development

Technology integration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/manufacturing

MBA or advanced degree preferred

Job description

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems:

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy.

Combining decades of research, top talent, and new technologies, we’re designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And we’re working with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future.

We’re in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we’ve raised nearly $3 billion in capital, making us the largest and leading private fusion company in the world.

Now we’re looking for more thinkers, doers, builders, and makers to join us. People who’ll bring new perspectives, solve tough problems, and thrive as part of a team.

If that’s you and this role fits, we want to hear from you.

Join the power movement as a Vice President of Manufacturing

As the Vice President of Manufacturing, you will be at the helm of our manufacturing processes, ensuring that our operations run seamlessly and efficiently. You will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that enhance productivity, optimize resources, and maintain the highest standards of quality. Your leadership will be pivotal in driving continuous improvement initiatives and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence across the organization. Responsibilities include driving production results, implementing metrics aligned with company objectives, and managing risks across production. This role will also collaborate with leadership in R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and EHSS (Environmental, Health, Safety and Security) to ensure goal alignment and operational excellence.

What you’ll do:

• Operational Management:
• Oversee all manufacturing operations to ensure they meet the company’s quality standards and customer requirements
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives
• Optimize production processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs

• Planning and Execution:
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the company’s overall objective
• Lead long-term operational planning and budgeting
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with operational activities

• Team Leadership:
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing operations team
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation

• Technology Integration:
• Ensure the integration of new technologies into existing processes without disrupting operations
• Collaborate with the R&D and IT departments to implement and manage technological advancements

• Quality Assurance and Compliance:
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality control procedures
• Implement and maintain robust quality assurance programs
• Address and resolve any operational issues that affect product quality or regulatory compliance

• Financial Management:
• Develop and manage the operations budget
• Monitor operational expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities
• Report on operational performance and financial metrics to the executive team

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred)
• Proven experience in a senior operational role within the tough tech manufacturing industry, with a demonstrated track record in leading plant operations, driving Manufacturing Centers of Excellence (CoE), and overseeing large teams across multiple shifts
• Deep expertise in manufacturing processes, Lean principles, and quality management systems, with hands-on experience in scaling best practices across manufacturing plants and integrating them into a center of excellence framework to standardize operations, improve efficiency, and accelerate innovation
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performance teams across diverse functional areas, fostering a culture of collaboration, safety and accountability
• Experience with technology integration and advanced manufacturing techniques
• Strong background in strategic planning, process engineering, and implementing continuous improvement programs (such as Kaizen, Lean, Six Sigma) at a global or multi-plant level
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and financial performance
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills

Must-have Requirements:

• This role typically involves working in both office and manufacturing environments
• May require travel to various manufacturing sites and supplier locations
• Flexibility to work extended hours as needed to meet business demands
• Perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
• Work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics

$275,000 - $375,000 a year

Salary range for this full-time position + equity + benefits_._The actual salary will depend on level, location, qualifications, and experience. The range displayed on each job posting reflects new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Benefits include:

Competitive compensation with equity

13 Company-wide Holidays

Flexible vacation days

10 sick days

Generous parental leave policy

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Professional growth opportunities

Team-building activities

At CFS, we excel in fast-paced environments, driven by our values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique. As we grow, we’re eager to bring on mission-driven folks who offer diverse perspectives and fresh ways to tackle challenges.

We value diversity deeply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer by choice. 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.

This role requires compliance with U.S. laws concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information (collectively, "Export Control Laws"). Any offer of employment will be contingent on the need for compliance with such Export Control Laws.