Director of Contracts

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 be responsible for Fuse's federal contracting portfolio from acquisition strategy through execution. This is not a narrow contracts-administration role. You'll help shape how Fuse pursues, negotiates, structures, and executes complex U.S. government work, while keeping the company compliant as the portfolio grows. 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 - Guide the planning, proposal support, negotiation, and execution/maintenance of US federal government contract vehicles. - Be responsible for the end-to-end, cradle-to-grave contracting process across the federal contract portfolio. - Develop and grow a library of strategic agreements and contracts to enable clear, efficient engagement with US federal government customers. - Collaborate with legal, product, sales, and engineering teams to drive strategic contract pricing and terms and conditions. - Support business development and other functional teams in identifying, assessing, and developing new contract opportunities. - Support development of strategic partnerships with outside businesses to enable unique contract teaming arrangements. - Be responsible for operational compliance with cybersecurity and supply chain requirements applicable to federal contracts, including CMMC, Section 889, supply chain risk management (SCRM), and FOCI/CFIUS-related contractual obligations, in coordination with security, IT, and legal. - Manage GSA Schedule (Multiple Award Schedule) administration, including modifications and scope reviews. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - 8+ years of experience working on US government contracts matters. - Solid understanding of the government procurement process, particularly contract vehicles and types, including non-traditional and new technology acquisition approaches. - Judgment and initiative to lead multiple projects end-to-end. - Quick learner and independent performer who also contributes effectively to a broader team. - High attention to detail and a process-oriented approach, paired with a willingness to push for new or creative solutions and applications. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. - Proven ability leading teams through the planning and execution of complex contracts for major systems and services. - Experience with contract lifecycle management and government-contracting business systems. - Enjoys working in a collaborative environment and implementing innovative solutions across the organization. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - 10+ years of experience in complex US government contracting/acquisition. - Direct experience both within the US government and private industry. - Expert knowledge of and practical experience interpreting and applying the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other FAR supplements (e.g., GSAM). - Direct experience spanning all major contract types (FFP, FPI, CPIF, CPAF, CPFF, T&M, BOA, ID/IQ), including LOE and outcome-based/completion contracts, as well as hands-on experience with Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs), and commercial-item acquisitions under FAR Part 12. - Active security clearance. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS - This is not a remote position and will require relocation if not already local to Fuse's Washington, DC or San Leandro, CA facility (as applicable to this role). - Position requires the ability to work extended hours and weekends when needed. - Position may require some business travel to other Fuse facilities. SECURITY CLEARANCE This role may require the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance. 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.