Systems Engineering Manager

About Type One Energy

Type One Energy Group is mission-driven to provide sustainable, affordable fusion power to the world. Established in 2019 and venture-backed in 2023, the company is led by a team of globally recognized fusion scientists with a strong track record of building state-of-the-art stellarator fusion machines, together with veteran business leaders experienced in scaling companies and commercializing energy technologies.

About the role

Type One Energy Group is seeking an experienced Systems Engineering Manager to lead the Systems Engineering function in support of the development and commercialization of our stellarator fusion energy technologies. This role combines hands-on systems engineering expertise with leadership responsibilities for a team of systems engineers. The successful candidate will serve as both a technical leader and people manager, providing strategic direction, mentoring team members, driving systems engineering excellence, and ensuring the successful execution of complex multidisciplinary projects.

The Systems Engineering Manager will partner closely with Physics, Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, and Program Management teams to establish and manage system requirements, architectures, interfaces, integration activities, verification programs, and technical baselines throughout the project lifecycle. This leader will be responsible for building and maintaining robust systems engineering processes while fostering a high-performing engineering team.

Location: Knoxville, TN
Contract: Permanent, full time
Reporting to: SVP Engineering

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Lead systems engineering activities across the full project lifecycle, including concept development, system architecture, requirements development, design maturation, integration, verification and validation, commissioning, and operational support.
• Drive the development and maintenance of program-level technical baselines, ensuring traceability from mission objectives through system, subsystem, and component requirements.
• Lead functional analysis, requirements allocation, interface management, and system architecture development activities.
• Guide the execution of system integration efforts across multiple engineering disciplines and external partners.
• Oversee system verification and validation planning, execution, and documentation to ensure technical requirements are met.
• Ensure effective configuration management and change control practices are applied across the program.
• Provide hands-on systems engineering support for critical technical challenges, complex trade studies, and design decisions.

People Management

• Lead, develop, and mentor a team of Systems Engineers, fostering technical growth, collaboration, accountability, and professional development.
• Establish team goals, priorities, and resource plans aligned with program objectives and business needs.
• Conduct performance management activities, including coaching, feedback, performance evaluations, and career development planning.
• Promote a culture of technical excellence, innovation, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing.
• Partner with engineering leaders across disciplines to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and organizational alignment.

Process & Program Leadership

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve systems engineering processes, standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Support the development and governance of engineering policies related to requirements management, configuration management, risk management, and verification activities.
• Collaborate with Program Management to support program planning, scheduling, resource forecasting, and risk mitigation efforts.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in systems engineering, product development, or complex technical programs.
• 2+ years of experience leading engineering teams, technical organizations, or cross-functional technical efforts.
• Demonstrated experience applying systems engineering principles throughout the full lifecycle of large-scale, complex systems.
• Experience developing system architectures, requirements, interfaces, verification plans, and technical documentation.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams in highly technical environments.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience balancing strategic leadership responsibilities with hands-on technical contributions.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies and tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler or Genesys.
• Familiarity with INCOSE systems engineering standards and best practices.
• Experience in fusion energy, nuclear energy, aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries.
• INCOSE ASEP, CSEP, or ESEP certification.
• Experience supporting first-of-a-kind technology development programs.

Benefits

• Hybrid work policy
• Stock options
• Relocation allowance
• Insurance plans
• Retirement options
• Additional voluntary benefits

Salary: Highly competitive plus benefits

About the company

Type One Energy applies proven advanced manufacturing methods, modern computational physics and high-field superconducting magnets to develop its optimized stellarator fusion energy system. Our FusionDirect development program pursues the lowest-risk, shortest-schedule path to a fusion power plant over the coming decade, using a partner-intensive and capital-efficient strategy. Type One Energy is committed to community engagement in the development and deployment of its clean energy technology.

For more information, visit www.typeoneenergy.com or follow us on LinkedIn.