Director, Project Development

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. Director, Project Development 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. What you’ll do 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 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 comprising 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 advocate for policies supportive of fusion technology. Facilitate and lead a cross‑functional group of internal stakeholders, consultants, and contractors. Coordinate due diligence activities with other internal groups to ensure proper analysis and structuring of assigned projects. Serve as CFS’ subject matter expert on project development and represent the company professionally with integrity to stakeholders and approval authorities. Provide periodic updates on progress to a varied set of internal stakeholders ranging from peer teams to the board of directors. Fulfill duties as contract manager/owner for all consultants supporting project development. Act as liaison between internal and external specialists regarding procurement, contracting, permitting and interconnection. Serve as an ambassador of CFS and fusion energy to key stakeholders including, but not limited to the community, local and regional governments, and AHJs. Utilizes commercial expertise to solidify commercial agreements and lead negotiations with integrity, creativity, and a commercial mindset. Promotes safe behavior, in accordance with Company expectations, and adherence to the safety rules on the project. Develop and implement corporate compliance policies while developing the project and interfacing with public officials. Strategize: Working closely with Government Affairs, develop engagement strategies for key stakeholders to produce positive outcomes for CFS. Develop, track and mitigate key risks associated with ARC project development. Participate in future ARC siting activities addressing items such as technical feasibility, planning, and permitting risks. Establish relationships with potential third‑party developers and key policy makers to promote a strategy for future incorporation of fusion technology. Support other teams, including Government Affairs and other Commercial Teams, as required. Maintain a value driven mindset to advance multiple streams of value including financial value, option value, and audience value to improve CFS’s overall value proposition. Work with and support corporate development, finance, and commercial organizations on activities related to financing and investment of the projects. Work closely with Environmental Health Safety Security (EHSS) to ensure required licensing is accomplished on schedule. Work with the ARC design team to identify opportunities to improve the design, development, and construction processes. What we’re looking for Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Engineering, Engineering Technologies, Business, Finance, Economics, Math, Physics or a related field OR 10 years of progressive experience developing large‑scale energy projects. 5+ years of large capital project development and investment. A minimum 5 years project management experience. Demonstrated cross‑functional project leadership experience, team performance skills, service mindset approach, and the ability to act as a trusted advisor. MS Excel – Proficiency. MS Power Point – Proficiency. MS Project or P‑6 Primavera – Proficiency. Deep knowledge of project development and project management practices across a wide range of domains including project finance, permitting, electrical interconnection. Experience in successfully achieving FID or financing of a major project (greater than $50 mm financing). Proven and demonstrated success leading a cross‑company, multi‑function enterprise team through a large, complex project. Sufficient technical aptitude to rapidly learn fundamental concepts of fusion power plants. Ability to deliver presentations to a range of external audiences in a sincere and personable manner, adhering to company talking points and messaging. Demonstrated ability to build consensus, balance competing functional drivers and effectively communicate complex topics. Demonstrated project management capabilities with proven ability to prioritize multiple projects and/or issues with conflicting deadlines and/or business unit drivers. Demonstrate a reliable and persistent work ethic, seeing tasks through to completion, staying determined in the face of uncertainty and failure. Adaptability to a start‑up environment, capability to take initiative, develop own tasks and timelines, and solve broad, ambiguous problems. Comfort and capability making judgment calls that are fundamental to the success of entire projects or major initiatives. Proven writing and communication ability, and consistent quality of work appropriate for preparing material for a broad external audience. Can respectfully challenge senior leadership with a well‑reasoned and data‑supported argument. Bonus points for 4+ years of independent power or electric utility industry experience. Experience developing large scale (>50 MW) power plants. Must‑have requirements Perform activities such as typing, standing, and sitting, for extended periods of time. Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on‑call – this position will require up to 25% travel (day‑trip & overnight). 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. Salary & Benefits $170,000 – $250,000 a year 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr