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 in North America.

About the role

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 a 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 rapid growth. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team of software developers, electrical engineers, operations engineers, and field technicians, and own the mission control tooling that makes deployment at this pace possible. This role is not responsible for permitting, utility interconnection, or pre-construction project management (which sit with the Project Development team); it is accountable for everything from operations readiness through the operating life of the asset.

Responsibilities

• 24/7 Asset Operations & Maintenance
  • Run 24/7 coverage for 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) for instant remote diagnosis and resolution to reduce cost per MW as we scale.
  • Define asset availability standards and ensure contractual performance requirements are met.
• Deployment & Field Commissioning
  • 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.
  • Accept assets from Production into the operating fleet; define and own operations readiness criteria at project kickoff.
  • Serve as the operational voice in engineering design, integration validation, and commissioning planning.
• Safety & Compliance
  • Foster a culture of safety; be accountable for adherence to safety standards and emergency response protocols, including developing plans for critical situations and leading incident reviews.
  • Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements, including utility interconnection, AHJ, and local permitting.
• Vendor & Third-Party Management
  • Own OEM and supplier relationships for everything the fleet depends on in the field, including escalation paths when equipment underperforms.
  • Run warranty claim strategy and recovery; 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.
• KPIs & Performance Improvement
  • Define operating KPIs including availability, performance, and the most cost-effective operations techniques and actions.
  • Build the capacity model (staff per MW, cycle time per deployment) to ensure growth is planned rather than reactive.
• People Leadership & Capability Building
  • Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of technical superiority, collaboration, and accountability.
  • Structure the operations organization to be right-sized for multiple stages of growth.
  • Design training programs that let Critical Loop develop technicians internally and externally rather than competing for scarce experienced hires.

Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 10+ years in field operations, commissioning, or service within energy storage, distributed generation, critical power, or a comparable field-deployed power business, with 5+ years leading teams.
• Has run a 24/7 field service or fleet operation against uptime or response-time commitments, including on-call rotations and escalation management.
• Deep hands-on electrical competence: switchgear, inverters and power conversion systems, transformers, and controls.
• Has built and run a commissioning program from scratch, including test procedures, crew certification, defect tracking, and turnover documentation.
• Has owned an operations budget and shaped service agreements, LTSAs, or warranties with OEMs and contractors.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Southern California, with willingness to travel to customer sites in North America.

Preferred

• Experience with mobile, temporary, or rental power fleets in addition to permanently sited assets.
• Utility coordination and interconnection of behind-the-meter assets.
• Commercial and industrial customer environments: manufacturing, EV charging, critical infrastructure, and data centers.
• Experience in a startup or early-stage environment, including building functions that did not previously exist.

Benefits

• Equity ownership through stock options.
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, and vision) through an HRA with a generous allowance.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Unlimited paid time off.