Sr. IT Manager

Overview:

The Sr. IT Manager will oversee all aspects of our company’s network technology environment, including infrastructure, cloud systems/managed software, data security, and internal IT onboarding and support. You’ll be both hands-on and strategic — balancing immediate operational needs with long-term technology planning.

This is an incredible opportunity to join Inertia at an early stage, and guide the IT architecture and platform for the future. Reporting to Inertia's Head of Business, the Sr. IT Manager role is a full time in-office position, located in our Livermore, CA office.

Primary Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive IT roadmap aligned with company growth, regulatory compliance, and innovation objectives.

• Partner across all teams to ensure IT initiatives directly enable scientific progress and business continuity.

• Oversee IT budgeting, planning, vendor management, and contract negotiations.

• Ability to start hands on in an IC role, and eventually flex to building and mentoring a high-performing IT organization with a focus on excellence, security, and innovation.

Infrastructure & Systems

• Architect, deploy, and maintain the company’s IT infrastructure (hardware, software, and network systems).

• Manage cloud platforms and ensure secure data management practices.

• Oversee IT support operations for employees — onboarding/offboarding, troubleshooting, device management.

• Operationalize IT infrastructure for the buildout of our Livermore HQ.

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Own the company’s cybersecurity strategy and incident response protocols.

• Implement best-in-class practices for access control, encryption, and threat detection.

• Ensure the company designs through the lens of compliance with relevant standards (e.g. DOE cybersecurity frameworks, EAR Export Controls, CUI, etc.).

• Partner with legal and compliance teams on audits, vendor security assessments, and data protection measures.

Collaboration & Enablement

• Enable secure and frictionless collaboration across scientific, engineering, and business teams.

• Champion automation and digital enablement to reduce bottlenecks and accelerate innovation.

• Drive IT integration for laboratory systems, high-performance computing (HPC), and experimental data capture tools.

• Manage IT documentation, knowledge bases, and system audits.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field.

• 10+ years of progressive IT experience, including 3–5 years in a leadership role (preferably in high-tech, energy, or R&D-driven organizations).

• Proven success designing and scaling secure IT infrastructure in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.

• Strong understanding of networking, cloud computing, cybersecurity and compliance frameworks. Preferred experience specifically in operationalizing compliance frameworks for Export Controlled and Controlled Unclassified Information.

• Experience managing hybrid environments (on-premises and cloud), ERP systems, and data center operations.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Passion for sustainability, innovation, and the scientific pursuit of clean energy.

Benefits:

• The base salary range for this role is $180,000 - $220,000; The pay range provided is an estimated base range for this role. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and education.

• We offer market-competitive compensation and an excellent benefits program, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, company-paid holidays, matching 401k, and more!

About Inertia:

Inertia is taking the most direct, scientifically-proven path to commercializing fusion, leveraging the only successful achievement of fusion ignition, using a process that was pioneered at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). With groundbreaking innovation, transformative technology, and multi-year investment, Inertia is committed to commercializing fusion energy in the next decade.