Fuse

Director, Defense Prime Partnerships at Fuse (Washington, DC)

Fuse· Washington, DC· $150k–$225k·

Role details

Salary
$150k–$225k
Employment
Full-Time

Job description

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 growth across the federal systems integrator and defense-prime community: finding opportunities, building the pipeline, executing strategy, and expanding customer relationships. You'll represent Fuse in the federal market and work directly with engineering and business teams to turn integrator relationships into real programs and revenue.

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

  • Build and maintain strong relationships across a diverse set of internal and external constituencies, including senior-level executives, technical teams, program delivery, and capture teams.
  • Train and influence systems integrators by refining value propositions to meet specific partner and client needs.
  • Identify appropriate solutions and services to meet partner and customer integration and infrastructure needs.
  • Develop and manage strategic plans with FSI partners, applying strong business acumen.
  • Present results and strategy to varied audiences, tailoring communication to different knowledge levels.
  • Thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and passionate environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • 5+ years of systems integrator experience in the federal industry.
  • Experience selling to firms such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Boeing, and similar organizations.
  • Demonstrated track record of significant accomplishment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 10+ years of experience working with and selling to the federal systems integrator community.
  • Active security clearance.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • This is not a remote position and will require relocation if not already local to Fuse's Washington, DC facility.
  • 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.

Why work at Fuse

  • Culture: Described as "misfits, tinkerers, skeptics, doers" — drawn to impossible problems. Values include frugality, speed, hands-on experimentation, and deep technical conviction. "Fuse is not a comfortable environment" — no bean bag chairs; many live, eat, and work at the facility.
  • Work environment: "Fuseville" — a shipping-container communal living facility adjacent to the lab. Bed-to-reactor commute under 60 seconds. Sleep pods available. You'll likely build your own desk. "We really skimp on furniture."
  • Compensation: Low salaries — "you should be willing to work for free. While you will receive a minimum base so that you can survive, money and lifestyle is not the motivator." Significant stock option upside if fusion succeeds. "Fair wages. Long hours. High voltage. Success far from guaranteed."
  • Benefits: Competitive healthcare plan. High-end computer setup and cloud computing resources. "Everyone on the team has skin in the game."
  • Who should apply: Self-motivated, deeply internally driven, humble yet brilliant, fusion geeks who built Polywells in high school, boundary-pushers who "get shit done." Must be comfortable with deferred gratification and high risk.
  • Remote/hybrid policy: Not explicitly stated, but the "Fuseville" on-site living model suggests heavy in-person presence is expected. "Commuting makes your blood boil" is a stated value.
  • Notable perks: Working on one of humanity’s hardest problems alongside top 1% talent; national security impact; potential enormous financial reward via stock options; "glory in case of ignition."

Application questions