Head of Electrical & Controls Engineering

Lead the electrical power and control systems that bring fusion devices to life, owning the strategy and execution that scales high-power, mission-critical systems from experimental hardware to commercial fusion plants.

The Head of Electrical & Controls Engineering will lead the design, development, and integration of electrical power systems, control systems, and instrumentation for Realta's magnetic mirror fusion devices. This senior technical leadership role demands deep expertise in high-power electrical systems and control architecture, proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, and the vision to scale systems from experimental devices to commercial power plants. You will own electrical and controls strategy across our development roadmap, ensuring designs meet performance requirements while advancing safety, reliability, and cost objectives. The ideal candidate combines technical credibility in power systems and controls with strategic leadership, thriving in a fast-paced environment where engineering decisions directly impact fusion development timelines.

Realta Fusion is a rapidly growing start-up developing compact magnetic mirror fusion energy systems to address the biggest challenge of our time – tackling global climate change while ensuring a sufficient energy supply for at least ten billion people on (and off) earth. We are building a team with diverse talents dedicated to making fusion energy a

solution to humanity’s most pressing problem.

Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Strategy

- Define electrical and controls engineering strategy from experimental devices through commercial deployment

- Own technical decisions for power systems, control architecture, instrumentation, data acquisition, and system integration

- Lead design reviews for high-power electrical systems, power supplies, plasma heating systems, and control infrastructure

- Partner with physics and other engineering teams to translate requirements into electrical and controls designs

Team Leadership & Development

- Build, lead, and mentor electrical and controls engineering team

- Establish technical standards, design processes, and safety protocols for electrical and controls systems

- Recruit top talent and develop engineering capabilities across power systems, controls, and instrumentation

Systems Design & Integration

- Lead design of electrical distribution, power supplies, plasma heating power systems, and control architecture

- Drive integration of electrical systems with mechanical, vacuum, cryogenic, diagnostic, and safety systems

- Oversee electrical analysis, controls simulation, and system modeling to validate and optimize designs

- Ensure designs meet electrical codes, facility requirements, and safety standards

Program Execution & Delivery

- Deliver electrical and controls scope on schedule and budget for experimental campaigns and pilot plant development

- Manage engineering budget, resource allocation, and equipment procurement

- Coordinate with vendors on specialized electrical equipment including power supplies, switchgear, and control systems

- Drive design optimization to reduce cost and improve manufacturability

External Engagement

- Represent electrical and controls capabilities to investors, partners, and technical stakeholders

- Collaborate with national laboratories, universities, and equipment manufacturers

- Engage with utility partners and regulatory agencies on power systems and grid integration

Qualifications

Education & Experience

- BS in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related discipline. Advanced degree preferred - 15+ years electrical/controls engineering experience in power-intensive industries (power generation, accelerators, large-scale research facilities, grid infrastructure) - 5+ years leading engineering teams of 5+ people

- Track record delivering high-power electrical systems and control architecture from concept through commissioning

Technical Expertise

- Deep expertise in electrical power systems, power electronics, motor drives, and high-voltage systems

- Strong background in control systems, instrumentation, data acquisition, and real-time control architecture

- Proficiency with electrical design tools (ETAP, SKM, AutoCAD Electrical) and controls platforms (PLC, SCADA, real-time systems)

- Experience with high-power systems (MW-scale), electrical safety, and arc flash analysis

- Knowledge of electrical codes and standards (NEC, IEEE, NFPA 70E)

Leadership & Execution

- Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering teams

- Strong communication skills across technical and business audiences

- Demonstrated success with complex, first-of-a-kind electrical systems

- Comfortable in fast-paced startup environments with schedule pressure and evolving requirements

Applicants who do not meet the entire job specification are encouraged to apply.

What we are working on is hard… and hugely important. Realta Fusion is assembling a talented team bound together by a passion to solve humanity’s biggest challenge with first-of-a-kind technology. Additionally, Realta offers:

- Competitive compensation package, including equity stock options

- Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)

- Flexible paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balance

- Work and live in Madison, Wisconsin — one of America’s most livable and vibrant cities

We value diversity as a critical factor in innovation and believe a diverse team is necessary to solve the toughest problems. We aim to create an inclusive environment that unleashes the full creativity of our team members from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on merit and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.