Director, Energy Innovation and Commercialization

Crusoe's mission is to accelerate the abundance of energy and intelligence. We’re crafting the engine that powers a world where people can create ambitiously with AI — without sacrificing scale, speed, or sustainability.

Be a part of the AI revolution with sustainable technology at Crusoe. Here, you'll drive meaningful innovation, make a tangible impact, and join a team that’s setting the pace for responsible, transformative cloud infrastructure.

About the Role

The Director, Energy Innovation and Commercialization will create strategic advantage for Crusoe by scouting, vetting and adopting new technologies and techniques to generate or access electricity for AI computing infrastructure. This position will create and drive an incubation engine that converts new technology into scalable deployment and durable strategic advantage for Crusoe. The Director role is designed to put Crusoe at the forefront of energy-first AI infrastructure development by turning frontier energy technologies and market mechanisms into real, deployable electrical power that is contractable, financeable, and deliverable on schedule and with bounded risk.

You will work directly with the Chief Strategy Officer in an environment of high intensity and requiring high trust. This is not a research-only role. This is not a deals-only role. It is a multidisciplinary role that spans strategy, technical vetting and incubation, market evaluation, public affairs influence, and venture capital-style commercial thinking across frontier technologies and early stage teams.

The ideal candidate is a commercially-minded engineer with the ability to evaluate energy technologies on the basis of design, operations, economics and strategic value. Candidates must display compelling interpersonal skills and a capability to build relationships, develop partnerships, persuade and drive negotiations. The role requires strong leadership, communication and presentation skills. Candidates must possess extremely strong critical thinking and problem solving skills, a high degree of agency, a bias towards action, comfort operating independently, and an ability to think creatively about evolving markets, technologies and competitive dynamics.

The ideal candidate wants an environment defined by extremely hard work, high ambiguity, high impact, and real-world constraints. Expect late nights, weekends, heavy cross-functional coordination, and significant travel. Candidates should bring elite skills in technical analysis, communicating complex concepts simply, stakeholder influence, and commercial judgment. The role requires a strong grasp of power markets, energy project development, and what it means to have power that is financeable with bounded risk. Technical depth is important.

This position offers exposure to the most influential participants in industry and government around the world across energy, infrastructure, capital markets, technology, and policy. The Director will shape the future of how the Artificial Intelligence industry is powered, and will leverage Crusoe’s many billions of dollars of purchasing power to advance new energy solutions to the forefront of the AI industrial revolution. This role has the ability to change the world in the case of success.

What You'll Be Working On

Reporting to the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, the Director will collaborate with cross-functional partners to develop and execute energy technology strategies. This role is pivotal in driving Crusoe’s competitive edge through cost efficiencies, operational excellence, supply chain optimization, and the cultivation of new revenue streams and business models.

Work will range across identification of promising energy technologies, definition and negotiation of new commercial structures and associated agreements, running pilot projects often in tandem with commercial deployments, and helping to scale the new businesses that are born from successful technology incubation.

A Day in the Life

A typical day for the Director, Energy Innovation and Commercialization might involve:

• Meeting with the Chief Strategy Officer to discuss progress on key initiatives and strategic priorities.
• Evaluating a new energy technology proposal, analyzing its technical feasibility, economic viability, and potential impact on Crusoe's operations.
• Negotiating a commercial agreement with a technology provider, ensuring favorable terms for Crusoe.
• Collaborating with the engineering team to design and implement a pilot project for a promising technology.
• Presenting findings and recommendations to senior management, advocating for the adoption of new technologies.
• Networking with industry experts and attending conferences to stay abreast of the latest trends and developments.
• Working with Crusoe’s policy and communications team to create policy position and external messages about Crusoe’s energy innovation activities.

Why San Francisco?

San Francisco is a global hub for technology and innovation, offering a vibrant ecosystem of startups, established companies, and research institutions. The city's proximity to Silicon Valley provides access to a wealth of talent, capital, and expertise in the energy and AI sectors. San Francisco's commitment to sustainability and clean energy aligns with Crusoe's mission, making it an ideal location for driving innovation in energy technology. Moreover, the city offers a high quality of life with diverse cultural attractions and outdoor activities.

Career Path

The Director, Energy Innovation and Commercialization role offers a clear path for career advancement within Crusoe. Successful candidates may have the opportunity to move into senior leadership positions, such as Vice President of Energy Strategy or Chief Technology Officer. Alternatively, they may choose to specialize in a particular area of energy technology, such as renewable energy or energy storage. The role also provides exposure to a wide range of industries and technologies, which can open doors to opportunities outside of Crusoe.

Salary and Benefits

Crusoe offers a competitive salary and benefits package that is commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to base salary, employees are eligible for annual bonuses and stock options. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) retirement plan, and professional development opportunities. Crusoe is committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment where employees can thrive.

Crusoe Culture

Crusoe is a fast-paced, dynamic company with a culture of innovation and collaboration. We value creativity, problem-solving, and a passion for making a difference. Our employees are driven, talented, and committed to our mission of accelerating the abundance of energy and intelligence. We foster a supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute their unique skills and perspectives. Crusoe is committed to diversity and inclusion, and we strive to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

How to Apply

To apply for the Director, Energy Innovation and Commercialization position, please submit your resume and cover letter through the Crusoe Careers website. In your cover letter, please highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, and explain why you are interested in working at Crusoe. We look forward to hearing from you!

FAQ

1. What is Crusoe's mission? Crusoe's mission is to accelerate the abundance of energy and intelligence.
2. What are the key responsibilities of the Director, Energy Innovation and Commercialization? The Director is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and commercializing new energy technologies to support Crusoe's AI computing infrastructure.
3. What qualifications are required for this role? A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field is required, along with 10+ years of experience in energy technology, project development, or related commercial roles.
4. What skills are important for success in this role? Strong technical analysis, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills are essential.
5. What is the career path for this role? Successful candidates may have the opportunity to move into senior leadership positions within Crusoe.
6. What is the company culture like at Crusoe? Crusoe has a fast-paced, dynamic culture of innovation and collaboration.
7. What benefits does Crusoe offer? Crusoe offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan.
8. Where is the role located? The role is located in San Francisco, California.
9. What type of energy technologies will I be working with? This role will involve working with a wide range of technologies, including renewable energy, energy storage, and other innovative solutions.
10. How does this role contribute to Crusoe's mission? This role is critical to Crusoe's mission by ensuring that the company has access to reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective energy to power its AI computing infrastructure.