Facilities Operations Manager

About the role

This role is for a Facilities Operations Manager at Helion, a fusion power company in Everett, WA. The position involves leading facilities operations across multiple sites, managing day-to-day operations, and improving operational processes. It requires strong leadership skills, operational judgment, and the ability to balance urgency with disciplined execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the facilities operations team, setting clear expectations, balancing workloads, and strengthening performance through coaching and accountability
• Own day-to-day facilities operations across multiple sites, serving as the primary point of contact for operational issues; overseeing Maintenance and Environmental Services delivery, staffing coverage, vendor performance, stakeholder communication, and timely issue resolution through closeout
• Own and improve the CMMS, asset records, and preventive maintenance programs, using equipment condition and performance data to inform maintenance and replacement priorities
• Oversee inspections, servicing, and corrective actions for critical building systems and industrial equipment, partnering with EHS and Security to maintain safe, ready sites
• Build scalable operational processes and use performance metrics to identify recurring issues, remove roadblocks, and coordinate lasting improvements with technical experts and Facilities leadership
• Apply building-systems knowledge to assess issues and recommendations, and represent Facilities Operations in standups and executive discussions with clear updates on risks, trade-offs, and next steps

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in facilities operations or related roles, including direct people management and demonstrated success coaching and developing teams
• Experience leading operations in a startup, high-growth, or similarly rigorous environment, with high standards for accountability and execution
• Working knowledge of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety systems, with the ability to assess issues, evaluate technical recommendations, and engage the appropriate expertise
• Demonstrated ability to navigate changing priorities, make sound decisions with incomplete information, and resolve recurring problems without compromising safety or quality
• Strong written and verbal communication with frontline employees, technical partners, and executives, including the ability to tailor technical detail to the audience, create clear operational documentation, and constructively challenge assumptions
• Experience supporting manufacturing, hardware development, R&D, or other technically complex facilities is preferred. Hands-on maintenance or trade experience is helpful but not required

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include:

• Hands-on maintenance or trade experience

Skills

The ideal candidate should possess:

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Operational judgment and decision-making abilities
• Technical knowledge of building systems
• Ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders
• Experience in a high-growth, startup environment

Benefits

Our total compensation package includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and their families
• 31 Days of PTO (21 vacation days and 10 sick days)
• 10 Paid holidays, plus company-wide winter break
• Up to 5% employer 401(k) match
• Short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance
• Paid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks)
• Annual wellness stipend

Pay

$143K – $168K

Schedule

Onsite role reporting directly to our Director of Facilities in our Everett, WA headquarters