Head of Environmental Health and Safety

Devens, MA

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy.

CFS collaborates with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with groundbreaking new high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost. Our mission is to deploy these power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. To that end, 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 implement this plan, we are looking to add dedicated people to the team who treat people well, improve our work by adding multifaceted perspectives and new ways of solving problems, have achieved outstanding results through a range of pursuits, and have skills and experience related to this role.

The Head of Environmental Health & Safety will be responsible for developing and leading the EHS program 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 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 leader to join us in this mission.

This team member will:

Develop and lead a comprehensive EHS program for the company and instill a positive safety culture throughout the organization
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
Own all aspects of EHS across all current facilities and sponsor the internal safety committee
Provide EHS 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 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 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 EHS milestones and schedule to meet strategic targets
Develop and track EHS budget and scope of work for the company
Communicate EHS status, risks, and resource requirements to the team & leadership

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

Bachelor's degree in an environmental, health, and safety discipline or equivalent experience
20+ years' experience in health & safety engineering roles
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, team building, and mentoring skills
Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Additional preferred experience and/or qualifications:

10+ years’ experience in EHS leadership roles for new products/industries
Experience with magnets, radiation protection, lasers, and heavy machinery is preferred
Experience with the application of Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies
Demonstrated understanding of project management processes, strategies, and methods
Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing rising talent in EHS 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
Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes and strong magnets
Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call.

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.