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Commonwealth Fusion Systems is seeking a Field Assembly Manager for third-shift operations (11:00 pm – 7:30 am) to lead overnight assembly operations supporting the development and production of a first-of-its-kind fusion tokamak at their Devens, MA facility.
In this hands-on leadership role, you will directly supervise a highly skilled workforce across three union trades: Millwrights, Welders, and Electricians. You will be responsible for ensuring work is executed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with engineering requirements, quality standards, production schedules, and established work instructions.
Key responsibilities include:
**Production Leadership:** Lead assembly operations supporting tokamak construction and integration. Provide direct supervision and coordination of union activities. Establish shift priorities based on overall production schedules and critical-path activities. Ensure work is properly staffed, sequenced, and executed to meet daily and weekly production objectives. Monitor production progress and proactively address delays, constraints, and resource issues. Conduct shift-start meetings communicating priorities, safety concerns, and schedule changes. Maintain strong communication and handoffs between day and night shifts. Provide detailed shift reports documenting progress, issues, downtime, quality concerns, and outstanding work.
**Skilled Trades Coordination:** Coordinate work across Millwright, Welding, and Electrical trades to ensure proper sequencing and no interference. Resolve conflicts between trades and establish clear priorities when activities compete for resources or workspace. Work closely with union leadership and shop stewards to maintain effective execution and positive labor relationships. Verify employees are assigned work appropriate to their trade, qualifications, and training. Ensure work areas are properly prepared before releasing work to trades. Coordinate equipment, tooling, materials, permits, and technical information.
**Advanced Tokamak Assembly:** Supervise high-precision mechanical, electrical, structural, and welded assembly activities. Ensure assembly work follows engineering drawings, specifications, procedures, and approved work instructions. Coordinate installation and integration of complex components, systems, and subsystems. Work closely with Engineering when clarification is needed. Identify installation issues and escalate technical problems appropriately. Support development and continuous improvement of assembly processes. Maintain strong focus on configuration control and prevent unauthorized modifications to engineered systems.
This role requires a strong manufacturing leader comfortable operating in an environment where processes are continually being developed, refined, and improved. You will be highly visible on the production floor, capable of making sound decisions in real time, and skilled at removing obstacles to keep critical assembly activities moving forward.
**Requirements:**
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or related field preferred; equivalent manufacturing leadership experience will be considered
- 5+ years of experience in complex manufacturing, assembly, construction, or industrial environment
- Strong understanding of mechanical, welding, electrical, and industrial assembly processes
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions
- Strong understanding of industrial safety practices, including Lockout/Tagout
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
- Ability to perform activities such as stooping, climbing, typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods
- Ability to work in facility with industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics
- Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
**Bonus qualifications:**
- Previous supervisory or leadership experience managing skilled trades
- Experience working with unionized workforces
- Experience in high-precision or highly engineered manufacturing environment
- Experience with Lean manufacturing and continuous-improvement methodologies
- Strong computer skills and experience with ERP, MES, scheduling, or production-management systems
Compensation includes salary plus 15% shift differential.