Head of IT Infrastructure

Position Overview

We are searching for a sharp, hands‑on IT leader to build and run the backbone of our operations. This role will establish systems, organize data infrastructure, tame 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, One Drive, Teams, Exchange, Planner, PowerBI, Azure, and Copilot, and more. Design and maintain intuitive structures that actually get used and resolve the day‑to‑day friction that slows teams down.
Training
:
Train staff on best practices for Microsoft tools including Teams, Sharepoint, 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, finance, and operations teams as a trusted technology resource — from oversight for upgrading to a new ERP system 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, One Drive, 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 Any Connect 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 & Salary

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

Salary: $110,000 - $155,000

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