Head of Infrastructure

Head of Infrastructure Fuse Energy Technologies — San Leandro, CA About the Role You'll report directly to the CEO and take full responsibility for Fuse's entire capital development function: permitting, contractor management, timelines, regulatory navigation, and facility execution. You'll work with architects, structural and MEP engineers, and regulatory agencies — but most importantly, you'll think like a builder, not a bureaucrat. We need an operator who has shipped major capital projects at scale, someone who treats regulatory requirements as a set of constraints to solve efficiently, not obstacles to stall on. Your initial scope is finishing construction on our current flagship facility — the one housing our active pulsed power test and manufacturing operations — and supporting ongoing machinery installations as new systems come online; from there, you'll scale into leading a greenfield facility build at a scale we haven't attempted before. Your job: eliminate the permitting and timeline bottlenecks that slow us down — take the regulatory complexity and turn it into a clear roadmap, work in parallel where possible, push back on unnecessary delay, and find the fastest compliant path forward. Core Responsibilities Take responsibility for the complete capital project lifecycle: permitting strategy, contractor coordination, scheduling, budget management, and execution for current facility modifications and equipment installations. Navigate state building, fire, zoning, and environmental codes; manage relationships with local planning departments, building departments, fire, HazMat, and other regulatory bodies. Develop and execute the permitting strategy for current (NFPA 30 flammable liquid storage facility) and future projects, including radiation facility requirements; coordinate with structural, MEP, and specialized engineers. Manage multiple contractors simultaneously; set expectations, track deliverables, escalate and resolve issues; build and maintain vendor relationships. Create and maintain project schedules; identify critical path items; communicate timelines to leadership; push back when timelines are infeasible and propose alternatives. Coordinate with architects and engineers; evaluate designs and regulatory compliance; escalate technical issues appropriately. Hire, train, and manage a capital projects team (permitting coordinators, construction admins, inspectors, etc.) as the portfolio scales. Think operationally: find ways to move faster, work in parallel, and secure regulatory buy-in efficiently without getting bogged down in unnecessary process. Report directly to the CEO on all major capital initiatives, budget, timeline risks, and decisions. Minimum Qualifications A demonstrated track record of shipping large-scale capital projects at high-velocity companies — we care more about the scope and pace of what you've built than how many years it took you to build it. Demonstrated experience managing complex permitting in relevant jurisdictions; strong understanding of building codes, fire codes, zoning, and environmental regulations. Track record managing multiple contractors and vendors simultaneously; ability to set expectations and drive accountability. Solid understanding of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; ability to read and evaluate technical designs. Comfort with ambiguity and changing scope; ability to make decisions with incomplete information and adjust course. Entrepreneurial mindset: willing to challenge conventional approaches and push for speed; comfortable with a move-fast-and-iterate culture. Strong communication skills: can explain complex regulatory and technical concepts clearly to non-specialists and negotiate effectively with agencies and contractors. Willing to work extended hours during critical project phases and travel as projects require. Preferred Qualifications Background in facilities management or capital development at a growth-stage company. Experience managing $50M+ capital portfolios. Prior exposure to fast-moving, mission-driven companies. Experience scaling facilities teams from 0 to N. Background in high-energy physics, fusion, or advanced manufacturing environments. Prior interaction with DOE, NRC, or similar federal regulators. Additional Requirements This is not a remote position and will require relocation if not already local to Fuse's San Leandro, CA facility. Position occasionally requires the ability to work extended hours and weekends when needed. Position may require some business travel to other Fuse facilities. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision coverage. Relocation assistance for roles that require it. Flexible time off. Take what you need, no accrual tracking. 2 weeks of paid time off built into the end of each year (subject to team and business needs). 10+ paid holidays. Supportive leave of absence policies. Paid leave for new parents. Access to a 401(k) retirement plan. Meals provided on site at our San Leandro and Napierville facilities. ITAR Requirements To conform to U.S. Government technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Equal Opportunity Fuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Fuse is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, ancestry, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.