IT Operations Lead

About Pacific Fusion

Pacific Fusion was founded in 2023 with the mission to power the world with abundant, affordable, clean energy.

We are rapidly designing and building a pulsed magnetic fusion system to achieve net facility gain (more fusion energy output than stored energy input). In parallel, we are developing the key components required to build affordable fusion systems.

Our plans are ambitious. We have raised over $900M so far from incredible investors, resourcing us to deliver on these plans. We are bringing together the best scientists, engineers, and operators from the fusion community, hard tech industry, and other sectors. We are united by a shared sense of urgency to provide clean power for the world, particularly managing climate change while meeting growing global energy demand. You can read more about us in this letter from our founders.

About The Role Job Overview:

As IT Operations Lead, you will oversee Pacific Fusion’s IT infrastructure and support services in New Mexico, ensuring the stability, security, and scalability of our systems. This role involves implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and support our mission of developing fusion energy solutions. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and a strategic mindset to drive IT excellence across the organization in partnership with the IT Operations Lead in the Bay Area.

Responsibilities

Partner with the IT Operations Lead in Bay Area to support Pacific Fusion wide IT Operations:

- IT Operations & Infrastructure Management

- Oversee the performance, availability, and security of IT systems and networks

- Develop and implement IT policies, best practices, and service management processes to ensure efficiency

- Manage system monitoring, backups, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning

- Team Leadership & Support

- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the IT team

- Provide hands-on technical guidance and leadership as needed

- Collaborate with other departments to align IT services with business needs

- Security, Compliance, & Risk Management

- Ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards, policies, and regulations

- Implement security best practices to protect company data and intellectual property

- Support regular IT risk assessments and security audits

- Vendor & Budget Management

- Manage relationships with IT vendors, service providers, and consultants

- Oversee IT budgets, procurement, and cost optimization strategies

- Technology Strategy & Innovation

- Stay updated with emerging technologies and industry best practices to drive IT innovation

- Identify opportunities to improve IT efficiency, automation, and scalability

- Collaborate with leadership on long-term IT planning and digital transformation initiatives

Qualifications

- 6+ years of experience in IT operations, infrastructure management, or a similar role

- Proven experience in building and scaling IT teams in a fast-growing organization

- Strong knowledge of network administration, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and ITSM frameworks

- Experience with IT compliance, risk management, and business continuity planning

- Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills

Preferred But Not Required

- Certifications such as ITIL, CompTIA A+/Network+/Security+

- Experience in the energy sector, research environments, or high-tech industries

- Familiarity with automation and scalable IT infrastructure

Benefits

- Industry-competitive salary

- Equity plan

- 6% employer 401k matching

- Generous paid time off (including sick leave, vacation, paid family leave)

- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Actual base salary offered will be determined by: experience, skills, and work location. This range is for base salary, our total compensation includes equity and benefits. We welcome you to apply even if your expectations are outside our listed range.

Pacific Fusion is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Pacific Fusion is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures and throughout employment. If you need assistance or any accommodation, please let us know. Pacific Fusion does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies without a fully executed recruitment agreement in place. In the absence of such agreement, Pacific Fusion reserves the right to pursue and hire any candidates without an obligation to pay fees. Agencies are requested not to contact Pacific Fusion hiring managers or employees regarding recruiting services.