Head of Systems Engineering

Job Description

Job Description

Own the system-level vision that turns first-of-a-kind fusion hardware into a cohesive, scalable reality—leading the integration of breakthrough science and engineering on the path to commercial fusion energy. 

The Head of Systems Engineering will lead the systems engineering function at Realta Fusion, establishing technical requirements, driving system integration, and ensuring our magnetic mirror fusion devices meet performance, safety, and operational objectives. This senior technical leadership role demands expertise in complex system architecture, requirements management, and integration of multidisciplinary subsystems. You will bridge plasma physics, mechanical, electrical, nuclear, and controls engineering teams to ensure coherent system design and successful execution from experimental devices through commercial deployment. The ideal candidate combines deep systems engineering expertise with strategic leadership, thriving in a first-of-a-kind hardware environment where disciplined systems thinking directly impacts our ability to deliver commercial fusion energy.  

Realta Fusion is a rapidly growing start-up developing compact magnetic mirror fusion energy systems to address the biggest challenge of our time – tackling global climate change while ensuring a sufficient energy supply for at least ten billion people on (and off) earth. We are building a team with diverse talents dedicated to making fusion energy a  real solution to humanity’s most pressing problem. 

Key Responsibilities

Systems Architecture & Requirements

• Define and maintain system architecture for fusion devices across experimental, pilot, and commercial product lines 
• Establish and manage technical requirements from physics performance through operational, safety, and regulatory constraints 
• Lead system decomposition and allocation of requirements to subsystems and components 
• Develop and maintain interface control documents across mechanical, electrical, plasma, and control systems 
• Drive design trades balancing performance, cost, schedule, manufacturability, and risk  

Integration & Verification

• Lead system integration activities ensuring subsystems work together to meet top-level requirements 
• Define verification and validation strategy including analysis, testing, inspection, and demonstration 
• Oversee commissioning and acceptance testing of fusion devices and major subsystems 
• Manage technical reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) ensuring design maturity and readiness 
• Drive resolution of integration issues and interface conflicts across engineering disciplines  

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, lead, and mentor systems engineering team (initially 2-3, scaling to 8-12)  
• Establish systems engineering processes, tools, and best practices for fusion development 
• Recruit systems engineers with experience in complex hardware integration  
• Develop systems engineering capability across the broader engineering organization  

Cross-Functional Technical Leadership

• Partner with plasma physics to translate physics requirements into engineering specifications  
• Work with mechanical, electrical, nuclear, and controls leads to ensure integrated system design  
• Coordinate with operations on maintainability, operability, and lifetime performance requirements  
• Support manufacturing and assembly planning to ensure buildability and integration sequence 

Program Support & Risk Management

• Provide systems engineering support to experimental campaigns and pilot plant development programs 
• Lead technical risk assessment and develop mitigation strategies for system-level risks 
• Support project management with integrated schedules, technical dependencies, and critical path analysis  
• Represent systems engineering perspective in executive decision-making on technical priorities and resource allocation  

  External Engagement

• Represent systems engineering capabilities to investors, partners, and technical stakeholders  
• Collaborate with national laboratories and research institutions on systems engineering best practices for fusion 
• Engage with regulatory agencies on system safety analysis and compliance strategies  

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• BS in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline. Advanced degree preferred 
• 15+ years systems engineering experience in complex hardware programs (aerospace, defense, energy, accelerators, research facilities)  
• 5+ years leading systems engineering teams or serving as chief engineer on major programs  
• Demonstrated track record integrating multidisciplinary systems from requirements through commissioning  

Technical Expertise

• Deep expertise in systems engineering processes including requirements management, functional analysis, interface management, and V&V  
• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical and control systems to facilitate integration across disciplines  
• Proficiency with systems engineering tools (DOORS, Cameo, modeling and simulation)  
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approaches  
• Knowledge of systems safety analysis (FMEA, fault trees, hazard analysis)  
• Familiarity with technical reviews, configuration management, and engineering change processes  

Leadership & Execution

• Proven ability to lead technical teams and influence across organizational boundaries 
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with systems-level thinking  
• Excellent communication skills translating between technical specialists and executive leadership  
• Experience making critical technical decisions with incomplete information and competing constraints  
• Comfortable in fast-paced environments balancing rigor with speed of execution  

Applicants who do not meet the entire job specification are encouraged to apply.  

Compensation & Benefits  

What we are working on is hard… and hugely important. Realta Fusion is assembling a talented team bound together by a passion to solve humanity’s biggest challenge with first-of-a-kind technology. Additionally, Realta offers: 

• Competitive compensation package, including equity stock options 
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k) 
• Flexible paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balance 
• Work and live in Madison, Wisconsin — one of America’s most livable and vibrant cities 

We value diversity as a critical factor in innovation and believe a diverse team is necessary to solve the toughest problems. We aim to create an inclusive environment that unleashes the full creativity of our team members from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on merit and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.