IT Administrator at Havocai in Palo Alto, CA

ABOUT US: Collaborative autonomy is how self-tasking teams of machines will solve hard human problems, and HavocAI is an unquestioned leader in collaborative autonomy. We set the standard for autonomous surface vessels for a wide range of defense and commercial maritime missions. Success requires us to grow quickly, and we’re looking for teammates who are passionate about solving hard problems, about pushing the envelope, and about preventing conflict and saving lives. Ambition is welcome to apply within. ABOUT THE ROLE HavocAI is building the future of autonomy—and that requires a world-class internal operating environment. We’re looking for an IT Administrator who can own and scale our internal systems while also keeping our offices running at a high level. This is a hybrid IT + operations role. Your primary responsibility is building and maintaining a fast, reliable, and secure IT environment for a deeply technical team. In parallel, you’ll ensure our San Diego and Palo Alto offices operate smoothly—no blockers, no downtime, no friction. This is not a ticket-closer role. You will build systems, fix problems before they exist, and take ownership of everything that touches employee productivity. WHAT YOU’LL OWN - End-to-end IT environment for a high-performance engineering team - Device deployment and lifecycle management across macOS, Linux, and Windows - Core business systems (Microsoft 365, Slack, Jira, etc.) - IT onboarding/offboarding that is seamless and immediate - IT inventory and readiness for rapid hiring - Office operations and facilities support across San Diego and Palo Alto WHAT YOU’LL DO IT (PRIMARY FOCUS) - Deploy and manage laptops, desktops, and servers with speed and precision - Own identity, access, and permissions across all systems (SSO, groups, policies) - Administer and optimize Microsoft 365, Slack, Zoom, Meraki, Jira, and other core tools - Build and scale MDM-driven provisioning and automation - Triage and resolve issues quickly—minimize downtime, unblock teams immediately - Stay ahead of problems: identify gaps, fix root causes, and improve systems proactively FACILITIES & OPERATIONS (SECONDARY, BUT CRITICAL) - Keep San Diego and Palo Alto offices operating at a high standard—organized, functional, and ready to support the team - Coordinate vendors, shipments, equipment, and workspace setup - Ensure employees have what they need to do their best work—no friction, no delays - Step in wherever needed—this includes the small, unglamorous tasks that keep a startup moving WHAT YOU BRING - 2+ years in IT support, helpdesk, or systems administration - Strong experience across macOS, Linux, and Windows environments - Hands-on experience with Microsoft 365 and modern IT tooling - Experience with MDM solutions and device lifecycle management - Familiarity with ticketing systems (Jira Service Management or similar) - Ability to operate independently and prioritize in a fast-moving environment LOCATION San Diego, CA (primary) with support for Palo Alto, CA In-office presence required – this is a hands-on role WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE - Zero friction for employees—everything “just works” - New hires are fully set up and productive on day one - IT systems scale seamlessly with company growth - Offices are consistently clean, functional, and high-performing - You are the person people trust to fix anything, fast BENEFITS: - 100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families - Life Insurance (Employer Paid) - Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching) - Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum - Equity Package - Work / Home Office Stipend - Global Entry - 16 Week Paid Parental Leave - Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend OUR VALUES: - Innovation: We are driven to break new ground. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo, think boldly, and deliver advanced solutions that transform the future of defense technology. - Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions and partnerships. - Mission-Driven: We are focused on achieving impactful outcomes that align with our core mission—protecting lives through innovation. - Forward-Leaning: We continuously seek out new opportunities and remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We embrace change and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and creativity. - Ownership of All Tasks: At HavocAI, no problem is too complex or too trivial. We believe that greatness comes from tackling the hardest challenges, but also in handling the smallest, sometimes thankless, tasks with the same level of commitment and care. - Servant Leadership: We lead by serving others, whether it’s supporting our employees, partners, or the broader community. Empowering those around us is key to achieving long-term success and making a lasting impact. HavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.