Head of Information Technology

MissionCowboy Space is solving the global energy crisis by building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient space-based solar energy. We are tackling one of humanity's most complex engineering challenges with a world-class team dedicated to delivering a revolutionary power platform. Cowboy Space is transforming how civilization powers, computes and connects - from orbit to Earth.BackgroundCowboy Space is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our modular, scalable satellites collect sunlight in Low Earth Orbit to enable multiple integrated applications: transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit high-performance computing clusters (GPU/TPU), and providing secure, high bandwidth optical data transport.Current energy and data systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure. Cowboy Space overcomes these challenges by enabling direct, on-demand, secure, and scalable energy distribution and data processing from space. This will revolutionize how we operate in orbit and on Earth, supporting the rapidly expanding space industrial base, ISAM (In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing) operations, remote regions, and military bases.Baiju Bhatt founded Cowboy Space in 2024. Inspired by his father's work with NASA Langley Research Center, Baiju earned his B.S. in Physics and M.S. in Mathematics at Stanford before co-founding Robinhood, now a public company that has helped over 20 million Americans access the financial system. Aetherflux has raised $90 million from Index Ventures, Interlagos, Construct Ventures, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, NEA, and others.This is an ambitious mission that demands extraordinary talent. Cowboy Space's team has worked at places like SpaceX, Astranis, NASA, Anduril, and the U.S. Navy, and is based in San Carlos, CA. If you're ready to solve complex technical challenges and help build the most important energy company in the world, we want to hear from you.OverviewThe Head of IT will define and execute the company's IT strategy across corporate systems, engineering infrastructure, mission operations support, cybersecurity, and compliance. This leader will ensure our IT architecture supports secure satellite development, ground segment operations, regulatory requirements, and rapid global scaling. This is a highly cross-functional leadership role, reporting to the COO/CLO but partnering with Engineering, Security, Finance, and People teams to build resilient, secure, and scalable systems in a highly regulated environment. This is both a strategic and hands-on leadership role in a rapidly scaling hardware company, and is in-person at our San Carlos, CA HQ.ResponsibilitiesDefine and execute the company-wide IT roadmap aligned with business and mission objectivesBuild and lead a high-performing IT team (infrastructure, applications, support, security)Develop IT governance, policies, and standardsManage IT budget planning and vendor relationshipsDesign and operate secure and scalable hybrid infrastructureSupport high-performance compute environments for satellite design, simulation and testingEnsure high availability for mission-critical systems and operationsImplement disaster recovery and business continuity planningOwn enterprise cybersecurity strategy across corporate, production, and mission environmentsImplement zero-trust architecture and endpoint securityEnsure compliance with relevant frameworks (e.g. ITAR/EAR)Lead incident response planning and executionOversee ERP, HRIS, collaboration, identity management, and productivity toolsSupport scaling processes across Finance, Supply Chain, and ManufacturingDrive automation and process optimization initiativesEnsure secure data pipelines for satellite telemetry and payload dataManage MSPs, cloud providers, and security vendors; negotiate enterprise contracts and SLAsServe as executive point-of-contact for IT-related audits and due diligenceBasic Qualifications10+ years of progressive IT leadership experienceExperience scaling IT in a high-growth startup or technology company from early architecture to defense-level complianceDeep expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)Strong background in cybersecurity and complianceExperience supporting engineering organizations (DevOps, high-performance compute, secure SDLC)Proven ability to build teams and operate strategically and tacticallyExperience in defense or other regulated industries; familiarity with export controls (ITAR/EAR)Preferred QualificationsExperience preparing for or maintaining SOC 2 / ISO 27001 auditsBenefitsEquity in Cowboy SpaceEmployees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance; long-term disability and life insurance for employees401(k) retirement savings planPaid time off10 paid holidays per calendar yearPaid leave for new parentsDaily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacksDisclaimerThis job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space's discretion.Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants 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.

Created: 2026-05-14