Director, Project Development

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems

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.

We are a historic moment, with CFS on the cusp of proving the commercial viability of fusion power via our SPARC demonstration plant in Devens, MA. This role will play an instrumental part in taking the next step after this proof point by developing and delivering the first grid scale commercial fusion power plant. We are looking for an exceptional candidate, with the experience, tenacity, and drive to not only develop the site for the first ARC power plant near Richmond, VA, but establish the pipeline and the playbook to deliver the first set of ARC power plants.

This is a unique opportunity to participate in the delivery of power plants that will mark a new era of commercial fusion power.

The focus of this position is to develop and implement strategic plans to deliver the world’s first set of Fusion Power Plants to the grid by the early 2030s. The Director, Project Development is responsible for managing all aspects of the project schedule which include securing all permits and approvals required to begin construction on schedule and within budget. The candidate will work closely with internal CFS team members, third party consultants, engineers, and lawyers, and allies to overcome obstacles and ensure positive outcomes for CFS.

This candidate will also work to establish a predictable pipeline of viable sites for future development, including a level of positive public support at the local and regional level.

• 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…