Head of Systems Engineering

Own the system-level vision that turns first-of-a-kind fusion hardware into a cohesive scalable realityleading the integration of breakthrough science and engineering on the path to commercial fusion energy. The Head of Systems Engineering will lead the systems engineering functionatRealtaFusionestablishingtechnical requirements driving system integration and ensuring our magnetic mirror fusion devices meet performance safety and operationalobjectives. This senior technical leadership role demandsexpertisein complex system architecture requirements management and integration of multidisciplinary subsystems. You will bridge plasma physics mechanical electrical nuclear andcontrolsengineering teams to ensure coherent system design and successful execution from experimental devices through commercial deployment. The ideal candidate combines deep systems engineeringexpertisewith strategic leadership thriving in a first-of-a-kind hardware environment where disciplined systems thinking directlyimpactsour ability to deliver commercial fusion energy.

Company Overview

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 arealsolution to humanitys most pressing problem.

Key Responsibilities

Systems Architecture & Requirements

• Define andmaintainsystem 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 andmaintaininterface control documents across mechanical electrical plasma and control systems
• Drive design trades balancing performance cost schedule manufacturability and risk

Integration & Verification

• 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 andinterfaceconflicts across engineering disciplines

Team Leadership & Development

• 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

Cross-Functional Technical Leadership

• 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

Program Support & Risk Management

• 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

External Engagement

• 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

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• BSin 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
• Demonstratedtrack recordintegrating multidisciplinary systems from requirements through commissioning

Technical Expertise

• Deepexpertisein 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
• Proficiencywith systems engineering tools (DOORS Cameomodelingand 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

Leadership & Execution

• 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

Applicants who do not meet the entire job specification are encouraged to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

What we are working on is hard and hugely important. Realta Fusion is assembling a talented team bound together by a passion to solve humanitys biggest challenge with first-of-a-kind technology. Additionally Realta offers:

• 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
• Work and live in Madison Wisconsin one of Americas most livable and vibrant cities

We 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.