Vice President of Environment, Health, Safety, and Security

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 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 over $2 billion in capital – more than any other fusion energy company in the U.S.

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.

Join the power movement as Vice President of Environment, Health, Safety, and Security

The Vice President of Environment, Health, Safety, and Security will be responsible for developing and leading the EHS & Security programs for the company, with a focus on the safe design, build, and operation of the SPARC tokamak and facility. They will champion a strong safety culture throughout the organization and work with leaders across all departments to implement safety & security policies, procedures, and training. At CFS, we believe that all injuries are preventable, and we look out for ourselves and each other. We’re looking for a strong safety & security leader to join us in this mission.

• Develop and lead comprehensive Environment, Health, Safety, and Security (EHSS) programs for the company and instill a positive safety culture throughout the organization. Create the holistic strategy to grow the EHSS function from early-stage operations into a global organization
• Lead the transformation to redefine EHSS standards for the company and set a precedent for safe and secure operations for the fusion industry as a whole
• Lead a team of EHS managers and engineers to develop and implement safety policies, procedures, and training. Work with leaders across all departments including design, R&D, manufacturing, operations, and facilities to encourage adoption company-wide
• Lead a team of security professionals with a customer-service mindset to support the employees and security of the company’s sites and assets
• Own all aspects of EHSS across all current facilities and sponsor the internal safety & security committees
• Provide EHSS oversight on SPARC construction, commissioning, and operations; particularly for systems with high-risk hazards such as high voltage, high current, high pressure, heavy lifts, cryogenics, and radiation protection
• Develop safety & security plans for upcoming facilities and provide input for building layouts and equipment purchases with a safety focus in mind. Implement and review hierarchy of controls including the access control system and emergency procedures
• Lead investigations into all safety & security incidents and near misses and continuously improve safe operations
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and city safety regulations and obtain and maintain necessary permits
• Organize EHSS milestones and schedule to meet strategic targets. Develop and track EHSS budget and scope of work for the company
• Communicate EHSS status, risks, and resource requirements to the team & leadership
• Lead of team consisting of EHS Manager, EHS Engineers and a Security team

• Bachelor's degree in an environmental, health, and safety discipline; engineering field; or equivalent experience
• 20 years' experience in health & safety engineering and management roles
• Experience leading EHS and/or Security functions for a company with national or global operations
• Safety certification in at least one of the following: Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Safety Manager (CSM), Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM), or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
• Experience with creating safety programs from the ground up, incl. training and risk assessment and mitigation
• A proven track record of managing safe operations while supporting R&D and manufacturing processes
• Experience with chemical safety, hazard communication, and waste management
• Experience with high-risk hazards such as high voltage, high current, pressurized systems, heavy lifts/rigging, and cryogenics
• Project management experience working with people from all levels of an organization and also with outside consultants and regulatory agencies
• Leadership, teambuilding, and mentoring skills
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skillsCritical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Experience with shaping and evolving company culture in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated understanding of project management processes, strategies, and methods
• Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing rising talent in EHSS disciplines
• Excellent time management and organizational skills and experience establishing guidelines in these areas for others
• Strong sense of personal accountability regarding decision-making and supervising department teams
• Experience working in a high-level collaborative environment and promoting a teamwork mentality
• Attention to detail
• Flexible thinking, including the ability to pivot and try new approaches when faced with challenges
• Proficiency using presentation software to explain complex information to non-technical management personnel and other stakeholders
• Ability to work on multiple projects in various stages simultaneously

• 10 years’ experience in EHSS leadership roles for new products/industries
• Experience with developing a company-wide security program
• Experience with magnets, radiation protection, lasers, and heavy machinery is preferred
• Experience with the application of Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
• Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics
• Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call

#LI-Onsite

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.