Vice President of Manufacturing (Harvard)

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. The company works with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future and has raised nearly $3billion in capital since 2018, making it the largest and leading private fusion company in the world.

Vice President of Manufacturing

As Vice President of Manufacturing, you will lead all manufacturing operations, ensuring they run seamlessly and efficiently. You will develop and implement strategies that enhance productivity, optimize resources, and maintain the highest standards of quality. Your leadership will drive continuous improvement initiatives and foster a culture of innovation and excellence across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Drive production results, implement metrics aligned with company objectives, and manage risks across production.
• Oversee all manufacturing operations to ensure they meet quality standards and customer requirements.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Optimize production processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with the company’s overall objectives.
• Lead long‑term operational planning and budgeting.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with operational activities.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high‑performing operations team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Ensure the integration of new technologies into existing processes without disrupting operations.
• Collaborate with R&D and IT departments to implement and manage technological advancements.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality control procedures.
• Implement and maintain robust quality assurance programs.
• Address operational issues that affect product quality or regulatory compliance.
• Develop and manage the operations budget.
• Monitor operational expenses and identify cost‑saving opportunities.
• Report on operational performance and financial metrics to the executive team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).
• Proven experience in a senior operational role within the tough‑tech manufacturing industry, with a track record in leading plant operations, driving Manufacturing Centers of Excellence, and overseeing large teams across multiple shifts.
• Deep expertise in manufacturing processes, lean principles, and quality management systems, with hands‑on experience scaling best practices across plants and integrating them into a center‑of‑excellence framework.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop high‑performance teams across diverse functional areas, fostering a culture of collaboration, safety, and accountability.
• Experience with technology integration and advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Strong background in strategic planning, process engineering, and implementing continuous improvement programs (e.g., Kaizen, Lean, Six Sigma) at a global or multi‑plant level.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and financial performance.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must‑have: will typically work in both office and manufacturing environments, may require travel to manufacturing sites and supplier locations, flexibility to work extended hours as needed, and capability to perform extended periods of typing, standing, or sitting in a facility with industrial hazards.

Must‑Have Requirements

• Work in an environment that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics.
• Flexible to work extended hours as required to meet business demands.
• May require travel to various manufacturing sites and supplier locations.
• Ability to perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time.

Compensation

$275,000 - $375,000 per year, plus equity and benefits. The actual salary will depend on level, location, qualifications, and experience.

Benefits

• 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.

EEO Statement

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.

Export Control Compliance

This role requires compliance with U.S. laws concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information. Any offer of employment will be contingent on the need for compliance with such Export Control Laws.