Director, Project Development

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. We’re working with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future.

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.

This role will play an instrumental part in taking the next step after the SPARC demonstration plant by developing and delivering the first grid‑scale commercial fusion power plant in Devens, MA. You will develop and deliver the first grid‑scale commercial fusion power plant and establish the pipeline to deliver the first set of ARC power plants.

• Deliver:
  • The candidate will be responsible for overseeing a team of internal resources as well as third party consultants, advisors, engineers and lawyers to obtain all permits, contracts and entitlements necessary to begin site preparation and construction activities. Activities include, but are not limited to, lease and site control, electrical interconnection, securing local approvals including planning and zoning, technical diligence, utility connections, CPCN/Siting boards, permitting, licensing, and transportation and logistical planning and well as financial modeling and overseeing the development of a financial proforma model.
  • Maintain project schedule and budget information utilizing industry standard project management techniques and strategies to plan and monitor work. Develop appropriate recovery plans in the event of potential shortfalls.
  • Establish a center of excellence for project development including objectives and key results, performance metrics and documented best practices and lessons learned with the intent of creating a replicable playbook for future development.
  • Drive process improvements and, where applicable, drive the development of tools and/or department or division policies.
  • Develop a diligence log to keep accurate information on all aspects of the project.
  • Develop and maintain a repository of potential sites and partners for future ARC development.
  • Maintain an inventory of commitments and obligations during the development phase and confirm positive receipt by appropriate persons in the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security (EHSS) and Construction teams.
  • Work with legal and compliance teams to ensure compliance with all relevant and applicable requirements, standards, and laws.
  • Support technical due diligence on potential and selected sites, ensuring appropriate rigor and documentation of key risks and decisions.
  • Create long‑term projection of revenues and expenses with a proforma to be utilized in obtaining financing and making a financial investment decision for project equity investors.
• Problem Solve:
  • Proactively detect and mitigate key risks to the project, escalating emergent risks when appropriate in a timely manner.
  • Facilitate and lead the development of creative solutions to potentially blocking issues.
  • Work collaboratively with local consultants and contractors to adapt to requirements from various authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) for the project(s).
  • Maintain familiarity with current and upcoming Policies and Programs that could affect or facilitate fusion power plant siting.
  • Expand flexibility for the design and construction teams throughout the development phase by managing and deferring potentially constraining design decisions.
  • Work closely with ARC design team to support site specific design changes to the standard ARC power plant design.
• Lead:
  • Model and promote CFS Core values of Execution, Self‑Critique, Impact, and Integrity.
  • Organize, recruit, and lead an effective project development team composing of both direct reports and matrixed professionals focused on delivering fusion power projects in the fastest and most affordable way possible.
  • Conduct assessment of external affairs and participate in industry conferences and forums to…