Head of Project Development Management

Join The Power Movement As Director, Project Development

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. Since 2018, we've raised nearly $3 billion in capital, making us the largest and leading private fusion company in the world.

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. 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.

Oversee 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. 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

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

Organize, recruit, and lead an effective project development team composing of 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

Fulfill duties as contract manager/owner for all consultants supporting project development

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 to be utilized while developing the project and interfacing with public officials

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 to support the needs of the business

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

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 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
• Demonstrated project management capabilities with proven ability to prioritize multiple projects and/or issues with conflicting deadlines and/or business unit drivers