Head of Operations

Critical Loop is shaping the next generation of energy systems by building the integrated edge grid of the future. Specializing in advanced energy management and battery control systems, Critical Loop empowers businesses and communities to seamlessly unite distributed energy resources for faster, more reliable, and affordable grid access. With deep expertise in grid modernization and a passion for creating resilient, responsive energy solutions, Critical Loop drives innovation at the intersection of technology and energy.

Location: Torrance, CA - on-site, with regular travel to customer sites

We are seeking a Head of Operations to own everything that happens from the moment our products are released for deployment: transport and mobilization, site setup and integration, field commissioning, and the 24/7 performance and maintenance of every asset in the fleet thereafter. This is an exciting builder’s role for an experienced operator who knows what good looks like at 100 MW+ scale and can build the commissioning program, crew model, service organization, and operating playbook needed to support our rapid growth.

• Run 24/7 coverage for the deployed assets: mission control, on-call rotations, escalation paths, and response-time commitments.

• Build preventative and corrective maintenance programs, root-cause analysis discipline, and incident review practice.

• Establish a network operations center (NOC) instant, remote diagnosis and resolution to reduce cost per MW as we scale

• Define asset availability standards and ensure contractual performance requirements are met.

• Hold end-to-end accountability for field execution on every deployment: mobilization and transport, site setup and integration, commissioning tests, and field inspections.

• Build and own the commissioning program

• Hold accountability for accepting an asset from Production in the operating fleet and define and own operations readiness criteria at project kickoff

• Serve as the operational voice in engineering design, integration validation, and commissioning planning.

• Foster a culture of safety and be accountable for adherence with safety standards and emergency response protocols, incl. developing plans for critical situations and lead incident reviews

• Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements, including utility interconnection, AHJ, and local permitting.

• Own OEM and supplier relationships for everything the fleet depends on in the field, including escalation paths when equipment under performs.

• Run warranty claim strategy and recovery, and hold suppliers accountable to their commitments.

• Determine where to self-perform and where to contract regional O&M partners as the fleet’s geography widens.

• Define the operating KPI incl. availability, performance and identifying the most cost-effective operations techniques and actions.

• Build the capacity model incl. staff per MW, cycle time per deployment to ensure growth is planned rather than being reactive

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of technical superiority, collaboration and accountability.

• Build and structure the operations organization to be right sized for multiple stages for growth

• Design training programs that lets Critical Loop develop technicians internally and externally rather than competing for scarce experienced hires.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

• 10+ years in field…