Innovation Program Manager

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy.

CFS collaborates with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with groundbreaking new high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost. Our mission is to deploy these power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. To that end, CFS has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by the world’s leading investors, CFS is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. To implement this plan, we are looking to add dedicated people to the team who treat people well, improve our work by adding multifaceted perspectives and new ways of solving problems, have achieved outstanding results through a range of pursuits, and have skills and experience related to this role.

You will be responsible for tracking and supporting Open Innovation (OI) programs, which are technical programs involving both external and internal stakeholders. This role requires strong attention to detail, ability to communicate clearly with a diversity of stakeholders, understand complex intersections of schedule, technical and business requirements, and manage contractual frameworks. 

In this position, success is defined by cultivating a strong and expanding portfolio of collaborative projects, coupled with the capacity to assess and enhance the performance of partnerships over time.

• Program Management:
• Support and track the end-to-end execution of OI programs, from program launch to close-out
• Support creation and execution of project plans, timelines, and milestones 
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement
• Promptly flag budget and schedule variances, and escalate internally as needed 
• Own program change control 
• Apply and support standard company tools and frameworks to programs 
• Own and track partner payments
• Track contract status and obligations including reporting obligations for government programs
• Manage execution of contracts, supporting third party when necessary
• Monitor and ensure compliance to third party requirements, especially for government programs

• Grant Application Support:
• Survey and confirm application requirements
• Coordinate, organize creation of necessary assets
• Submission and tracking

• Communication and Reporting:
• Communicate progress, achievements, and challenges related to innovation initiatives to senior leadership and key stakeholders
• Prepare and present reports, dashboards, and presentations to convey updates, outputs and budget and schedule compliance
• Ensure transparency and accountability in all aspects of innovation program management.
• Partner communication and program reviews
• Internal communication of OI activities and goals
• Standardize and publish internally final report-outs from programs.

• Partnership Support:
• Support strategic partnerships with external stakeholders, including startups, universities, and industry experts. Leverage tracked record of success to support communication to partner leadership and close the learning loop.
• Coordinate and execute onsite visits 

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or applied physics discipline
• Proven experience in project management, preferably including interfacing with government programs, and managing multi-investigator projects from across different organizations
• Exceptional attention to detail, and a demonstrated track record of project management tool use
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and inspire others
• Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity and external organizations

• 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
• Perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
• #LI-Hybrid

CFS team members thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have demonstrated exceptional results through a range of different pursuits. We all tightly align with our company values of integrity, execution, impact and self-critique. As we grow, we are looking to add talented people who are mission driven and bring diverse perspectives and new ways of solving problems.

At CFS, we deeply value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis 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, ordinance, or regulation.