Director of Electrical and Software Engineering

Join us in our mission to commercialize fusion energy ⚡️  

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

If you are searching for the best new ideas and share our vision, join us as a “Director of Electrical and Software Engineering”. This is what you need to know:

Location: Knoxville, TN

Salary: Highly Competitive Plus Benefits

Contract: Permanent, full time

Reporting to: VP Engineering

Your role in the mission:

The Director of Electrical and Software Engineering will lead multidisciplinary teams developing the electrical systems, control architectures, and software platforms that underpin Type One Energy’s fusion technology. This role requires a leader who can integrate hardware and software design into a coherent, high-performing engineering function while fostering innovation, quality, and scalability.

The Director will set technical direction, oversee execution, and grow a world-class team covering power electronics, control systems, embedded software, and scientific computing. This leader will ensure alignment with program milestones and contribute strategically to the development of Type One Energy’s stellarator fusion devices.

Integration & Leadership

During the initial onboarding period, the successful candidate will focus on integrating into the organization and building strong cross-functional relationships. This phase will emphasize leadership and alignment, with a transition to full technical ownership as the candidate demonstrates progression and growth in the role. During this period the candidate will:

• Build strong working relationships with key stakeholders across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Program Management, and other functions.

• Gain hands-on familiarity with core engineering processes, tools, and team structures.

• Actively participate in planning and execution activities to ensure alignment with broader business goals.

• Identify opportunities to optimize workflows, strengthen collaboration, and support strategic program milestones.

This structured ramp-up will position the candidate to transition seamlessly into the full scope of the Director of Engineering role, driving technical and organizational impact.

• Define and execute the vision, strategy, and roadmap for electrical and software engineering within the organization.

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing, cross-disciplinary team of engineers (electrical, embedded, controls, and software).

• Drive a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and technical excellence.

• Lead the design, development, and validation of power distribution systems, power electronics, and instrumentation.

• Oversee integration of high-voltage and high-current systems required for plasma control, magnets, and supporting subsystems.

• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards in electrical system design.

• Direct the development of control algorithms, real-time embedded software, and supervisory control/monitoring systems.

• Oversee software for data acquisition, machine automation, scientific analysis, and operator interfaces.

• Implement modern software engineering practices, including CI/CD, version control, automated testing, and cybersecurity standards.

• Partner with physics, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of electrical and software subsystems.

• Provide technical and project oversight for design reviews, risk assessments, and program milestones.

• Manage budgets, schedules, and resource allocation for electrical and software engineering activities.

• Collaborate with suppliers, partners, and research institutions to accelerate technology development.

• Represent Type One Energy in technical forums, conferences, and stakeholder engagements.

What you’ll need:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related discipline (PhD preferred).
  
• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience, including at least 5 years in technical leadership or director-level roles.
  
• Proven expertise in electrical systems (power electronics, high-voltage design, instrumentation) and software/controls (real-time, embedded, or scientific computing).
  
• Strong understanding of systems integration, reliability engineering, and safety-critical design.
  
• Experience in highly complex, multidisciplinary engineering environments (energy, aerospace, nuclear, or similar).
  
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead diverse engineering teams.
  
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.

We offer:

In addition to a basic salary and yearly bonus, you will also get…

• Stock and share options 📈
• Relocation allowance 💰
• Insurance plans 🩺
• 401k retirement options 💸
• And many more great voluntary benefits 👀

Type One Energy applies proven advanced manufacturing methods, modern computational physics and high-field superconducting magnets to develop its optimized stellarator fusion energy system. Its 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Type One Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity, searching for the best new ideas and remaining open to unique perspectives. Therefore, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment independent of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.