Head of Infrastructure

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 report directly to the CEO and take full responsibility for Fuse's capital development function: permitting, contractors, schedules, regulatory navigation, and facility execution. Think like a builder, not a bureaucrat. The immediate job is to finish our flagship facility and support machinery installations as new systems come online and help with the ABQ radiation testing facility. Then the scope gets bigger: greenfield development at a scale Fuse has not attempted before. Turn regulatory complexity into a roadmap and find the fastest compliant path forward. 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 complete capital project lifecycle: permitting strategy, contractor coordination, scheduling, budget management, and execution for current facility modifications and equipment installations. - Navigate state building, fire, zoning, and environmental codes; manage relationships with local planning departments, building departments, fire, HazMat, and other regulatory bodies. - Develop and execute the permitting strategy for current and future projects, including radiation facility requirements; coordinate with structural, MEP, and specialized engineers. - Manage multiple contractors simultaneously; set expectations, track deliverables, escalate and resolve issues; build and maintain vendor relationships. - Create and maintain project schedules; identify critical path items; communicate timelines to leadership; push back when timelines are infeasible and propose alternatives. - Coordinate with architects and engineers; evaluate designs and regulatory compliance; escalate technical issues appropriately. - Hire, train, and manage a capital projects team (permitting coordinators, construction admins, inspectors, etc.) as the portfolio scales. - Think operationally: find ways to move faster, work in parallel, and secure regulatory buy-in efficiently without getting bogged down in unnecessary process. - Report directly to the CEO on all major capital initiatives, budget, timeline risks, and decisions. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - A demonstrated track record of shipping large-scale first-of-a-kind (FOAK) capital projects at high-velocity companies — we care more about the scope and pace of what you've built than how many years it took you to build it or the dollar amount. - Demonstrated experience managing complex permitting in relevant jurisdictions; strong understanding of building codes, fire codes, zoning, and environmental regulations. - Track record managing multiple contractors and vendors simultaneously; ability to set expectations and drive accountability. - Solid understanding of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; ability to read and evaluate technical designs. - Comfort with ambiguity and changing scope; ability to make decisions with incomplete information and adjust course. - Entrepreneurial mindset: willing to challenge conventional approaches and push for speed; comfortable with a move-fast-and-iterate culture. - Strong communication skills: can explain complex regulatory and technical concepts clearly to non-specialists and negotiate effectively with agencies and contractors. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Background in facilities management or capital development at a growth-stage company. - Experience managing $100M+ capital portfolios. - Prior exposure to fast-moving, mission-driven companies. - Experience scaling facilities teams from 0 to N. - Prior interaction with DOE, NRC, or similar federal regulators. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS - This is not a remote position and will require relocation if not already local to Fuse's San Leandro, CA facility. - Position occasionally 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.