Head of Systems EngineeringMadison, WIOwn 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 RealtaFusion, 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 ResponsibilitiesSystems Architecture & RequirementsDefine and maintain system architecture for fusion devices across experimental, pilot, and commercial product linesEstablish and manage technical requirements from physics performance through operational, safety, and regulatory constraintsLead system decomposition and allocation of requirements to subsystems and componentsDevelop and maintain interface control documents across mechanical, electrical, plasma, and control systemsDrive design trades balancing performance, cost, schedule, manufacturability, and riskIntegration & VerificationLead system integration activities ensuring subsystems work together to meet top-level requirementsDefine verification and validation strategy including analysis, testing, inspection, and demonstrationOversee commissioning and acceptance testing of fusion devices and major subsystemsManage technical reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) ensuring design maturity and readinessDrive resolution of integration issues and interface conflicts across engineering disciplinesTeam Leadership & DevelopmentBuild, lead, and mentor systems engineering team (initially 2-3, scaling to 8-12)Establish systems engineering processes, tools, and best practices for fusion developmentRecruit systems engineers with experience in complex hardware integrationDevelop systems engineering capability across the broader engineering organizationCross-Functional Technical LeadershipPartner with plasma physics to translate physics requirements into engineering specificationsWork with mechanical, electrical, nuclear, and controls leads to ensure integrated system designCoordinate with operations on maintainability, operability, and lifetime performance requirementsSupport manufacturing and assembly planning to ensure buildability and integration sequenceProgram Support & Risk ManagementProvide systems engineering support to experimental campaigns and pilot plant development programsLead technical risk assessment and develop mitigation strategies for system-level risksSupport project management with integrated schedules, technical dependencies, and critical path analysisRepresent systems engineering perspective in executive decision‑making on technical priorities and resource allocationExternal EngagementRepresent systems engineering capabilities to investors, partners, and technical stakeholdersCollaborate with national laboratories and research institutions on systems engineering best practices for fusionEngage with regulatory agencies on system safety analysis and compliance strategiesQualificationsEducation & ExperienceBS in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline. Advanced degree preferred15+ 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 programsDemonstrated track record integrating multidisciplinary systems from requirements through commissioningTechnical ExpertiseDeep expertise in systems engineering processes including requirements management, functional analysis, interface management, and V&VStrong understanding of mechanical, electrical and control systems to facilitate integration across disciplinesProficiency with systems engineering tools (DOORS, Cameo, modeling and simulation)Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approachesKnowledge of systems safety analysis (FMEA, fault trees, hazard analysis)Familiarity with technical reviews, configuration management, and engineering change processesLeadership & ExecutionProven ability to lead technical teams and influence across organizational boundariesStrong analytical and problem solving skills with systems-level thinkingExcellent communication skills translating between technical specialists and executive leadershipExperience making critical technical decisions with incomplete information and competing constraintsComfortable in fast‑paced environments balancing rigor with speed of executionApplicants who do not meet the entire job specification are encouraged to apply.Compensation & BenefitsWhat 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 optionsComprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)Flexible paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balanceWork and live in Madison, Wisconsin — one of America’s most livable and vibrant citiesWe 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head Of Systems Engineering in Cazis Arbeitgeber: U.S. Fusion Energy
Realta Fusion ist ein hervorragender Arbeitgeber, der eine positive und inklusive Arbeitsumgebung fördert, die mit unserer Mission zur Bekämpfung des Klimawandels und der Entwicklung innovativer Fusionsenergietechnologien übereinstimmt. Wir bieten wettbewerbsfähige Vergütungspakete, umfassende Sozialleistungen und flexible Freizeitmöglichkeiten, um eine ausgewogene Work-Life-Balance zu unterstützen. Arbeiten Sie in Madison, Wisconsin, einer der lebenswertesten Städte Amerikas, und werden Sie Teil eines engagierten Teams, das sich leidenschaftlich dafür einsetzt, die größten Herausforderungen der Menschheit zu lösen.