Head of Information Technology

Karman Industries

Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Signal Hill, California, Karman Industries is at the forefront of revolutionizing industrial thermal energy. Our mission is to electrify global thermal systems across data centers, manufacturing, and energy industries. Karman is developing the revolutionary Heat Processing Unit (HPU) to reinvent thermal handling for giga-scale data centers & AI factories. The HPU is built around a supercritical CO2 chiller system utilizing a high-speed electrically driven turbomachinery core. Our system aims to reduce energy consumption in data center thermal management by greater than 25% and increase energy density by 10x.

At Karman Industries, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. Our team is composed of passionate professionals dedicated to making a tangible impact on the future of industrial manufacturing. Join us in our mission to transform the industry and contribute to a more sustainable world.

Head of Information Technology

Karman Industries is seeking a highly motivated and hands-on Head of Information Technology to build, scale, and lead our IT function. This leader will own the company's end-to-end IT environment, including enterprise infrastructure, end-user computing, business applications, helpdesk, cybersecurity, identity and access management, networking, and software licensing. As Karman transitions from R&D into high-volume manufacturing, this role will design scalable, secure, and reliable IT systems while remaining willing to roll up their sleeves to support employees directly. You will be hands-on across day-to-day operations while building the case for and hiring your own team as Karman scales. This is an onsite role.

Responsibilities:

• Own all corporate IT infrastructure, end-user computing, networking, cloud systems, and IT operations.

• Lead IT helpdesk, onboarding/offboarding, device lifecycle management, and end-user support.

• Manage software administration (e.g., Microsoft, Claude, Jira, and other engineering enterprise applications) including user creation and provisioning, identity management, licensing, access changes, and subscription lifecycle management.

• Partner with Engineering to support deployment of engineering applications and provide the underlying workstation, network, identity, and license-server infrastructure required for those applications (e.g., Siemens NX, Ansys, Simscape, MATLAB and related license servers).

• Own software license compliance, renewals, vendor relationships, and cost optimization.

• Administer corporate website infrastructure, DNS, domains, email infrastructure, and related services.

• Manage VPN access, endpoint security, mobile device management, and remote access.

• Maintain network infrastructure, servers, storage, backups, and disaster recovery planning.

• Maintain the infrastructure, security, access controls, backup, and availability of IT-managed databases and servers, in partnership with Operations, Engineering and other system owners.

• Procure, configure, deploy, and track IT assets such as laptops, monitors, and other IT equipment.

• Develop and lead cybersecurity strategy including endpoint protection, vulnerability management, MFA, incident response, employee training, and compliance.

• Establish IT policies, documentation, standards, and scalable processes to support rapid company growth.

• Manage external IT vendors, consultants, and MSP relationships while building the internal IT organization.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.

• 8+ years of progressive IT experience, including leadership responsibility.

• Experience administering Microsoft 365 or similar enterprise software and enterprise identity management.

• Strong knowledge of networking, Windows environments, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, endpoint management, and enterprise SaaS administration.

• Excellent troubleshooting, communication, and project management skills.

• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-growth hardware or manufacturing environment.

• Experience supporting manufacturing operations and production facilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience building IT functions at a high-growth startup.

• Knowledge of SQL Server, data integrations, and automation.

• Experience with cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, CIS, ISO 27001) and security audits.

• Experience implementing ITSM, MDM, SSO, and Zero Trust architectures

• Experience supporting engineering organizations with complex CAD/CAE software and license servers.

Karman Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Karman Industries is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.