Director of Commercial Partnerships

Job description

ABOUT FUSE We are building one of the most potentially consequential companies of the century. Our mission is to accelerate the world's transition to fusion energy while safeguarding humankind. This is not a normal company. This is not a normal job. We are committed for the long term to win. ABOUT THE ROLE You'll build the commercial partnerships that turn Fuse's capabilities into durable business. The initial focus is companies with radiation-hardening and testing needs, particularly semiconductor and chip manufacturers. This is a 0-to-1 go-to-market role — you'll help build the commercial motion from the ground up, not inherit an established playbook. You'll combine market knowledge, technical fluency, and commercial judgment to structure first-of-a-kind agreements that create testing access, investment, and long-term partnerships. WHAT WE VALUE - Obsess about the details — sloppy work costs us later, so do it right the first time. - Care — pick up the trash. Do things no one asks you to do. Go the extra mile because you care. - Act with urgency — every hour matters more than it feels like it does. - Be responsible for the outcome, not just the task; if it is not working, it remains your problem until it is fixed. - Assume good intent — disagree openly, then commit fully once a call is made. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES - Take responsibility for the full sales cycle, from qualifying and developing leads through negotiation and close. - Identify, evaluate, and prioritize attractive commercial partners, project opportunities, and innovative partnership models within the semiconductor and electronics industry. - Drive complex agreements — including joint development agreements and strategic investments — related to first-of-a-kind radiation hardening and testing partnerships. - Build consensus and buy-in with internal and external stakeholders to secure project approvals and investment. - Develop scalable partnership approaches to commercialize and integrate Fuse's testing and hardening capabilities with semiconductor partners. - Maintain deep, up-to-date knowledge of the semiconductor and electronics landscape, including emerging technologies and market needs. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - 8+ years of experience in commercial negotiations, business development, or investment, ideally within the semiconductor or electronics industry. - Demonstrated experience developing and negotiating complex, first-of-a-kind partnerships. - Ability to navigate complex, cross-functional programs in an ambiguous and changing technical environment. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS - This is not a remote position and will require relocation if not already local to Fuse's San Leandro, CA facility. - Position requires the ability to work extended hours and weekends when needed. - Position may require some business travel to other Fuse facilities. BENEFITS - Medical, dental, and vision coverage. - Relocation assistance for roles that require it. - Flexible time off. Take what you need, no accrual tracking. - 2 weeks of paid time off built into the end of each year (subject to team and business needs). - Supportive leave of absence policies. - Paid leave for new parents. ITAR REQUIREMENTS To conform to U.S. Government technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Fuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Fuse is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, ancestry, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.