Head of Systems Engineering Job at Realta Fusion Inc. (Madison)

Job Description

Own 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 Realta Fusion, 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.

Job Responsibility

Define and maintain system architecture for fusion devices across experimental, pilot, and commercial product lines
Establish and manage technical requirements from physics performance through operational, safety, and regulatory constraints
Lead system decomposition and allocation of requirements to subsystems and components
Develop and maintain interface control documents across mechanical, electrical, plasma, and control systems
Drive design trades balancing performance, cost, schedule, manufacturability, and risk
Lead system integration activities ensuring subsystems work together to meet top-level requirements
Define verification and validation strategy including analysis, testing, inspection, and demonstration
Oversee commissioning and acceptance testing of fusion devices and major subsystems
Manage technical reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) ensuring design maturity and readiness
Drive resolution of integration issues and interface conflicts across engineering disciplines
Build, lead, and mentor systems engineering team (initially 2-3, scaling to 8-12)
Establish systems engineering processes, tools, and best practices for fusion development
Recruit systems engineers with experience in complex hardware integration
Develop systems engineering capability across the broader engineering organization
Partner with plasma physics to translate physics requirements into engineering specifications
Work with mechanical, electrical, nuclear, and controls leads to ensure integrated system design
Coordinate with operations on maintainability, operability, and lifetime performance requirements
Support manufacturing and assembly planning to ensure buildability and integration sequence
Provide systems engineering support to experimental campaigns and pilot plant development programs
Lead technical risk assessment and develop mitigation strategies for system-level risks
Support project management with integrated schedules, technical dependencies, and critical path analysis
Represent systems engineering perspective in executive decision-making on technical priorities and resource allocation
Represent systems engineering capabilities to investors, partners, and technical stakeholders
Collaborate with national laboratories and research institutions on systems engineering best practices for fusion
Engage with regulatory agencies on system safety analysis and compliance strategies

Requirements

BS in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline. Advanced degree preferred
15+ 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 programs
Demonstrated track record integrating multidisciplinary systems from requirements through commissioning
Deep expertise in systems engineering processes including requirements management, functional analysis, interface management, and V&V
Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and control systems to facilitate integration across disciplines
Proficiency with systems engineering tools (DOORS, Cameo, modeling and simulation)
Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approaches
Knowledge of systems safety analysis (FMEA, fault trees, hazard analysis)
Familiarity with technical reviews, configuration management, and engineering change processes
Proven ability to lead technical teams and influence across organizational boundaries
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with systems-level thinking
Excellent communication skills translating between technical specialists and executive leadership
Experience making critical technical decisions with incomplete information and competing constraints
Comfortable in fast-paced environments balancing rigor with speed of execution

What we offer

Competitive compensation package, including equity stock options
Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)
Flexible paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balance

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