Head of IT & Infrastructure

We are searching for a sharp, hands-on IT leader to build and run the backbone of our operations. This role will establish systems, organiz e data infrastructure, tam e our Microsoft 365 environment, and build security protocols that protect proprietary IP. This role will work directly with engineers, scientists, and company leaders, so comfort in a technical, fast-moving environment is essential.

Key Responsibilities :  

Microsoft 365 Ownership: Serve as the internal expert for our full Microsoft ecosystem — SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, Exchange, Planner, PowerBI , Azure, and Copilot , an d more . Design and maintain intuitive structures that actually get used and resolve the day-to-day friction that slows tea ms down.

Training : Train staff on best practices for Microsoft tools including Teams, Sha repoint , file storage and other systems where increased adoption and understanding would reduce redundancy and disconnected systems.

Operational Data Management: Improve and maintain systems for organizing large volumes of engineering and testing data generated by our R&D labs and pilot plant operations.

AI Governance & IP Protection: Fine-tune and enforce policies governing employee use of AI (Copilot, Claude ) to protect confidential data and proprietary technology. Ensure staff understand risks and that guardrails are in place.

Security Architecture: Improve and implement security protocols — including access controls, data classification, endpoint security, and incident response .

IT Infrastructure: Manage cloud and on-premise infrastructure including Azure environments, networking, hardware, and software across our office locations.

Compliance & Risk: Maintain awareness of relevant data protection regulations (GDPR, CCPA, ITAR where applicable) and ensure company practices are aligned.

Cross-Functional Support: Partner with R&D, engineering, fin ance, and operations teams as a trusted technology resource — from ov ersight for upgradi ng to a n ew E RP s yst em to onboarding new tools to troubleshooting equipment connectivity at the pilot plant level.

Vendor Management: Own relationships with technology vendors and managed service providers, ensuring value and accountability.

Hands-On Execution: This is a player-coach role. You'll set high-level strategy , fix broken SharePoint permissions, configure a new laptop, and help someone get PowerBI working — all in the same week.

Qualifications:  

• 4–8 minimum years of experience in IT management, systems administration, or a related role — preferably in an engineering, energy, or industrial environment.
• Deep, practical expertise with Microsoft 365 (SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, Exchange, PowerBI, Power Automate, Copilot, Planner) — not just familiarity, but the ability to train others and architect solutions. 
• Experience with AI usage policies and data governance frameworks. 
• Working knowledge of cybersecurity principles and hands-on experience creating security protocols in a small-to-mid-size organization; familiarity with Cisco AnyConnect VPN and Meraki devices a plus. 
• Familiarity with industrial data systems, historian platforms (Canary or similar), or SCADA environments is a significant plus. 
• Experience with databases, cloud infrastructure (Azure preferred), and network administration. 
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment, willing to roll up sleeves and perform smaller tasks alongside strategic leadership. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. 
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience) preferred. 

Location: Houston, TX / Tucson, AZ / Ithaca, NY preferred. Remote considered for the right candidate.

Salary: $110,000 - $155 ,000