What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Technical Project Manager position at ORAU?
Overview
Location: Knoxville, TNRole: Permanent, full timeSalary: Highly competitive plus bonus and benefits
ORAU is conducting the search on behalf of Type One Energy for a permanent, full‑time Senior Technical Project Manager in Knoxville, TN.
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 technologiesIf you are searching for the best new ideas and share our vision, join us as a Senior Technical Project Manager. This is what you need to know:
Your role in the mission:
Type One Energy is seeking a Senior Technical Project Manager to lead and oversee high-priority technical programs that are central to our fusion energy development roadmap. This role is responsible for driving program strategy, aligning cross-functional execution, and ensuring delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary technical objectives on time and within scope.
You will lead planning, execution, and risk mitigation across a portfolio of R&D and engineering projects, integrating input across internal teams, external collaborators, and senior stakeholders. Your influence will span from early-stage strategy through to delivery execution, requiring both visionary thinking and coordination.
This role is ideal for a technically fluent, execution-focused Project Manager who thrives in dynamic, cutting-edge environments and can bridge technical complexity with organizational clarity.
Responsibilities
Lead strategic planning, execution, and governance for complex technical programs aligned with company goals.
Own and drive cross-functional program delivery across engineering, physics, operations, and supply chain functions.
Develop and manage program roadmaps, detailed execution plans, and integrated schedules with clear milestones.
Serve as a senior liaison between technical teams, executive leadership, regulatory bodies, and external partners.
Define and track KPIs, technical deliverables, and critical path milestones, ensuring accountability across teams.
Identify and proactively manage risks through mitigation plans, scenario planning, and resource adjustments.
Forecast program budgets, resource needs, and capital expenditures in collaboration with finance and operations.
Lead strategic program reviews, providing insights to executive stakeholders through data-rich reports and briefings.
Drive continuous improvement in project delivery tools, methodologies, and cross-functional processes.
Mentor junior employees and contribute to building a high-performing program management capability.
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
Minimum of 8 years of experience in technical program or project management, ideally in a high-tech, R&D-heavy, or energy sector.
Proven track record of leading complex, multi-disciplinary technical programs with successful outcomes.
Strong technical understanding of product development, engineering design, and systems integration.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across both technical and executive audiences.
High proficiency with modern program management tools (e.g., Jira, Smartsheet, MS Project, Confluence).
Strong analytical skills and structured decision-making under uncertainty and ambiguity.
Preferred:
Advanced degree (M.S. or MBA) or project management certification is a plus.
PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile/Scrum certification.
Familiarity with fusion technologies, or large-scale experimental setups is highly desirable (e.g., vacuum systems, superconducting magnets, high-power RF, plasma diagnostics).