Programming Director Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Power the future of fusion as Realta’s Director of Electrical Engineering.

The Director of Electrical Engineering will lead the design, development and integration of electrical power systems for Realta's magnetic mirror fusion devices. This senior technical leadership role demands deep expertise in high-power electrical systems, proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, and the vision to scale systems from experimental devices to commercial power plants. You will own electrical engineering 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 with strong execution 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 real solution to humanity’s most pressing problem.

Responsibilities 

Technical Leadership & Systems Design 

• Define electrical engineering strategy from experimental devices through commercial deployment. 
• Own technical decisions for power systems, distribution, magnet power supplies, plasma heating power systems, low-voltage electronics, and electrical system integration. 
• Oversee low-voltage design work, including PCB design and development in support of controls and diagnostics systems. 
• Lead design reviews for high-power electrical systems, magnet power supplies, and plasma heating systems. 
• Partner with plasma physics, mechanical, and controls engineering teams to translate requirements into electrical designs. 
• Drive integration of electrical systems with mechanical, vacuum, cryogenic, controls, and diagnostic systems. 
• Oversee electrical analysis and system modeling to validate and optimize designs. 
• Ensure designs meet electrical codes, nuclear facility requirements, and safety standards. 

Team Leadership & Program Execution 

• Build, lead, and mentor the electrical engineering team; establish technical standards, design processes, and safety protocols. 
• Recruit top talent and develop engineering capabilities across power systems and electrical design. 
• Deliver electrical engineering scope on schedule and budget for experimental campaigns and pilot plant development.
• Manage engineering budget, resource allocation, equipment procurement, and vendor coordination on specialized electrical equipment (power supplies, switchgear).
• Drive design optimization to reduce cost and improve manufacturability.
• Represent electrical engineering capabilities to investors, partners, and technical stakeholder.
• Collaborate with national laboratories, universities, equipment manufacturers, utility partners, and regulatory agencies. 

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 from concept through commissioning. 

Technical Expertise 

• Deep expertise in electrical power systems, power electronics, and high-voltage systems. 
• Experience with low-voltage electronics and PCB design supporting controls, instrumentation, and diagnostics.
• Proficiency with electrical design tools (ETAP, SKM, AutoCAD Electrical) and PCB design software (e.g., Altium, KiCad). 
• 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. 

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.