IT Director

About Focused EnergyFocused Energy is a fusion energy startup with the goal of generating unlimited clean energy to responsibly meet future global demand. The founders include two highly renowned scientists and a long-time entrepreneur and founder of several successful startups. With the use and commercialization of laser-induced inertial fusion, a clean and highly efficient power generation technology is coming within reach, suitable to ensure a secure and scalable future energy supply.We’re now looking for a Director of IT to build, lead, and scale our IT function across both Germany and the US, ensuring our global teams are secure, connected, and empowered with the right infrastructure to do their best work. You’ll oversee a hybrid productivity environment built on both Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, helping us unify collaboration, streamline operations, and support scientific and engineering teams with reliable, secure tools.While the primary location for this role is Berlin or Darmstadt, we are open to considering candidates based elsewhere in Germany who are willing to relocate.What You’ll DoStrategize and Scale IT: Define and execute a scalable IT strategy, developing policies, playbooks, and SOPs that support global operations and align IT priorities with business needs through data-driven planning.Standardize & Optimize Systems: Own our hybrid productivity environment—ensure seamless administration, integration, and user support across Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Admin Console) and Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Entra ID, Intune).Ensure Robust Security & Compliance: Own compliance with GDPR and Export Control. Establish secure configurations, patching processes, and access control frameworks. Implement data protection measures and user training for a secure-by-default culture, managing internal security operations or coordinating with MSSP partners.Streamline Operations & Vendor Management: Oversee efficient helpdesk, endpoint security, device lifecycle management, and software license administration. Manage strategic vendor relationships, contracts, renewals, and the IT budget across SaaS and service providers.Lead & Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Provide leadership to a growing IT function (directly or through partners), acting as a bridge between IT and other departments. Enable team productivity through responsive support and reliable infrastructure, especially for R&D and scientific teams (HPC, simulation servers, secure file sharing). Champion a culture of accountability, security, and continuous improvement.Who You AreDeep professional IT experience, including 3+ years in IT leadership with global and hands-on responsibilities, with a proven ability to lead both strategy and day-to-day operations in fast-paced, multi-site, or international companies, preferably with hybrid or remote-first organizations.Fluent in both German and English, with excellent communication skills. Strong communicator and collaborator across functions and time zones.Fluency in Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Admin Console) and Microsoft environments (M365, Intune, Entra) across device platforms.Experience managing vendors, budgets, and compliance programs (GDPR, Export Control, etc.). Deep familiarity with GDPR, Export Control regulations, and operational security practices (e.g., device hardening, identity and access management (IAM), patching). Proven ability to lead both strategy and day-to-day operations in fast-paced settings.Experience managing internal and external IT teams or partners (MSPs and vendors).Experience working with globally distributed teams, especially engineering and R&D stakeholders.Mindset of enablement experimentation, and continuous improvementPreferred: Familiarity with Atlassian tools, Slack, Zoom, and hybrid environmentsPreferred: Experience in hardware-intensive or R&D organizations (e.g., deep tech, energy, aerospace, or lab environments).Preferred: Familiarity with cloud infrastructure (e.g., Google Cloud, AWS, Azure).Preferred: Exposure to IT needs in regulated environments or with grant/government-funded program, and with data export rulesPreferred: Experience supporting high-performance computing environments or data-heavy teams.CompetenciesStrategic IT Leadership – Ability to define and execute IT strategies aligned with business and technical objectives in a fast-growing, international environment.Infrastructure & Systems Architecture – Expertise in designing and managing scalable IT infrastructure, including cloud platforms, networks, endpoints, and collaboration tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365).Cybersecurity & Risk Management – Establishes robust security frameworks, ensures regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR), and manages incident response and business continuity planning.IT Operations & Service Delivery – Builds and maintains efficient IT operations, including helpdesk support, process documentation, vendor management, and system uptime/reliability.Team & Vendor Leadership – Proven ability to recruit, manage, and develop internal IT teams or external partners across regions and time zones.Communication & Collaboration – Communicates effectively across technical and non-technical teams in both German and English; enables cross-functional collaboration.Cultural Agility & R&D Environment Fit – Thrives in multinational, deep tech settings; understands the unique IT needs of engineering, scientific, or lab-based teams.Why Work with Us?Innovative Technology & Mission: Be part of a cutting-edge company working on groundbreaking research in clean energy and scientific discovery.Career Development: We invest in our people. This is an opportunity to join an early, growing company at the forefront of new technology, where you’ll have the opportunity to develop and grow your career.Collaborative Culture: Work with great people in a dynamic, international environment with top-tier scientists, engineers, and professionals passionate about solving global challenges.Ownership: Take ownership from day 1 and drive impact by making decisions, solving challenges, and shaping the future of our company.Your Success is our Success: We offer a competitive salary and company ownership in the form of stock options, giving you a direct stake in our success and ownership in what we build together.Vacation Days: We support your work-life-balance by granting you 30 days of vacation per year.Flexibility: We believe that work should fit around your life, not the other way around. We offer the ability to work from our office, but some flexibility to work from home as well.Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks. Our Darmstadt office even offers a subsidized canteen with delicious lunch options daily.Retirement Plan: If you decide for a private pension plan, we will finance 15% on top of your monthly contributions.Equipment: Choose between a state of the art Windows or Apple Laptop. In addition, you will receive a keyboard, mouse and headset so you are fully equipped from day 1.Events: We organize regular events to foster team bonding, encourage collaboration, and build a strong, supportive company culture. Connect with colleagues across departments, share ideas, and have fun together, both in and outside of the workplace.Mobility with NAVIT: We partner with NAVIT to support your flexible commuting needs—whether it’s a public transportation ticket, taxi rides or car-sharing you choose what fits your lifestyle.Fitness with Wellhub: We care about your health. Get access to a wide range of gyms, fitness studios and wellness services across Europe through our partnership with Wellhub.Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits. #J-18808-Ljbffr