Head of Supplier Development and Reliability

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy.
CFS is collaborating with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with new groundbreaking high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost. The mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. 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 execute this plan, we are looking to add talented people to the team who are mission-driven and treat people well, improve our team by adding diverse perspectives and new ways of solving problems, have demonstrated exceptional results through a range of different pursuits, and have skill sets and experience that relate to this role.
CFS is building a world class supply chain. We are seeking candidates with a passion for enabling our supplier partners to build the future fusion energy supply chain. This is the first hire in the CFS supplier management organization and this role will be responsible for building all supplier management functions and teams for the organization as well as resolving high profile, critical-path supply issues. The right candidate will possess a comprehensive knowledge of quality systems, manufacturing processes, materials, and have exceptional project management and interpersonal skills. 

This team member will:

• Develop business processes, train, and manage the supplier development / supplier quality team on supplier management systems and tools including metrics, corrective actions, supplier audits, supplier development plans, and scorecards
• Manage CFS field agents in support of part and supplier qualification efforts
• Resolve high visibility, critical path supplier issues as needed
• Analyze major system changes between the CFS demonstration fusion device (SPARC) and the CFS power generating fusion device (ARC) and identify the effect of those changes on the CFS supply base; lead CFS efforts to develop a long-term fusion supply chain capable of meeting cost, quality, and delivery targets
• Introduce novel manufacturing techniques to the supply base where appropriate to strengthen the CFS supply chain
• Interface directly between the CFS design team and suppliers on value engineering and design for manufacturability efforts to ensure that the products are optimized
• Identify unique suppliers outside of the traditional nuclear and fusion industries that may strengthen the CFS supply base
• Partner with the Supplier Integration Managers to assist in the sourcing decision by matching supplier competencies and quality systems with the needs of the part
• Supervise Supplier Development Engineers, Field Representatives, Supplier Quality Engineers

The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of these requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in an accredited curriculum OR 8+ years’ experience in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or Supply Chain roles
• 8+ years in a manufacturing environment 
• 5+ years’ experience with supplier management under an industry standard Quality System (ISO 9000/TS/AS9100/NADCAP)
• 5+ years managing multiple levels of staff 
• 5+ years dealing with technical information related to manufacturing or operations 
• Experience with quality aspects and business processes of MRP or ERP systems
• Bachelor's degree in materials science & engineering (preferred)
• Master's degree in engineering or business (preferred)
• Experience in a start up or high growth environment  (preferred)

Additional experience and/or qualifications:

• Ability to travel, both domestic and international, 25%
• Ability to sustain long periods of time working at a desk, either standing or sitting
• Knowledge of supplier quality processes (Production Part Approval Process, Advanced Product Quality Planning, First Article Inspection Reports, etc.) 
• Knowledge of statistical techniques and methods, e.g., design of experiments, Six Sigma, etc. 
• Disciplined approach to problem solving 
• Proficient in MS Office applications and report writing
• Knowledge of lean concepts
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, engineering discipline, and quality processes
• Technical background, with ability to read/interpret engineering drawings and 3D CAD Models
• Demonstrate innovation, technical excellence, attention to detail, self-direction, & courage
• Drive for results and customer satisfaction
• Possess remarkable problem-solving skills with a bias for speed
• Be able to work with minimal supervision to follow through on assignments and meet deadlines; learn quickly and adapt to new information and environments
• Demonstrate organizational skills and accuracy, with the ability to prioritize job functions to meet deadlines and ensure smooth workflow and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Possess excellent judgement and the ability to make and execute on decisions for the holistic betterment of the company with little oversight
• Demonstrate integrity, respect, commitment to excellence, collaboration, creativity, and agility
• Exhibit strong customer service skills and an entrepreneurial spirit
• Effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with exceptionally tight deadlines with frequent interruptions and distractions
• Address problems with a positive, creative, collaborative approach, always keeping the customer experience in mind
• Have exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, and be able to write concise, logical and grammatically correct business correspondence
• Be an empathetic  leader that possesses relationship building skills, and the ability to interact and work effectively with many levels of personnel and suppliers
• Exceptional interpersonal skills in a highly matrixed organization

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.