Head of Operations

About Critical Loop 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. Job Title: Head of Operations Location: Torrance, CA - on-site, with regular travel to customer sites 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 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. 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 our 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 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. 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 - 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. Safety & Compliance - 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. 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, 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. KPIs & Performance Improvement - 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 People Leadership & Capability Building - 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. 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 incl 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 utility coordination and interconnection of behind-the-meter assets - Commercial and industrial customer environments: manufacturing, EV charging, and critical infrastructure and data centers. - Experience in a startup or early-stage environment, including building functions that did not previously exist. At Critical Loop, we're committed to rewarding and supporting our team. Our benefits package includes equity ownership through stock options, giving you a stake in our success, along with comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, and vision) through an HRA with a generous allowance. We also provide a retirement savings plan and unlimited paid time off so you can recharge and maintain work-life balance. Critical Loop is an equal opportunity employer. We're committed to building a diverse team and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Critical Loop is an equal opportunity employer. We're committed to building a diverse team and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.