Senior Open Innovation Program Manager

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

. Own the federal award program lifecycle after technical scoping .

Posted 10/28/2026full-timeDevens • Massachusetts • United StatesSenior💰 $134,000 - $205,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing complex multi-partner programs, including contract negotiations, milestone tracking, and compliance with federal regulations. Proficient in translating technical requirements into operational guidance and executive-ready reporting.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program Execution LeadershipContract Negotiation ExpertiseFederal Compliance KnowledgeCross-Functional Team CoordinationBudget Reconciliation Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program ManagementContract ExecutionMilestone TrackingRisk Mitigation StrategiesTechnical LiteracyBudget RealignmentAudit-Ready DocumentationSOW NegotiationPerformance ModificationCompliance Requirements Translation

Soft Skills

Organizational AlignmentConflict ResolutionCommunication SkillsExecutive Reporting

Tools & Technologies

JiraConfluenceMS Project

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s DegreeMBAMSJD

Industry Keywords

Federal Award ProgramGovernment AgreementsMulti-Stakeholder ProgramsDeep-TechEnergyAdvanced ManufacturingAerospaceMicroelectronicsFAR/DEAR CompliancePost-Award Execution

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the federal award program lifecycle after technical scoping
Prepare submission documents
Lead negotiations for Government Agreements, Statements of Work, contractual plans, sub-awards, collaborator contracts, terms and conditions, and amendments
Own end-to-end operational execution of complex multi-partner programs
Maintain master schedules and critical-path program management milestones
Track progress against commitments and resolve operational friction
Coordinate post-award scope adjustments, SOW amendments, budget realignments, and performance modifications
Translate federal FAR/DEAR and institutional compliance requirements into operational guidance
Coordinate with Project Accounting to monitor burn rates and company cost-share/matching funds
Review and approve sub-recipient invoices and prepare audit-ready documentation
Connect R&D Technical PMs, Legal, Finance, Supply Chain, and external program officers from DOE, National Labs, and universities
Facilitate handoffs from technical scoping to contract execution
Organize executive progress updates and site visits
Produce reporting dashboards for CFS leadership, sponsors, and partners
Deliver program execution from contract execution through final closeout

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Public Administration, Law/Contracts, or a related field
At least 7+ years of experience leading program execution and contract negotiations for complex, multi-stakeholder technical programs ($10M+/year)
Proven track record negotiating SOWs, university sub-awards, or government grants/contracts with clear ownership of contract execution
Demonstrated experience coordinating project accounting, milestone tracking, and cross-functional teams (Legal, Finance, Engineering, R&D)
Rigorous program management discipline
Experience managing multi-million-dollar programs, tracking milestones, identifying critical-path bottlenecks, and implementing risk mitigation strategies
Strong technical literacy; ability to read complex technical SOWs and understand engineering deliverables
Proven experience negotiating complex technical agreements, SOWs, sub-awards, and contract amendments with universities, national labs, government sponsors, or corporate partners
Ability to align legal terms, business objectives, and execution
Ability to translate technical advancements into executive-ready updates, progress dashboards, high-impact decks, and audit-ready reporting
Ability to proactively resolve organizational friction and partner ambiguities and drive cross-functional alignment
Strong contract compliance, milestone verification, budget reconciliation, and audit readiness skills
Ability to perform typing, standing, and sitting for extended periods
Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call
Ability to work in a facility containing industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics
Bonus: MBA, MS, or JD or equivalent advanced degree
Bonus: Experience in deep-tech, energy, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, or microelectronics environments
Bonus: Familiarity with federal grant compliance (FAR/DEAR, DOE/ARPA-E post-award execution)
Bonus: Proficiency in Jira, Confluence, and MS Project

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive compensation with equity
13 Company-wide Holidays
Flexible vacation days
10 sick days
Generous parental leave policy
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with employer matching
Professional growth opportunities
Team-building activities