Manager, IT Security

Fervo Energy; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Employee stock purchase program

Job summary

Fervo Energy in Houston, TX is seeking an IT Security Manager to lead our cybersecurity program across cloud and on-premises environments. You will own strategy, risk assessments, and compliance with SOX ITGC and ISO 27001, while guiding a team of security professionals in risk mitigation and incident response.

Work closely with OT cybersecurity to ensure IT/OT integration, implement security controls in Microsoft 365/Azure, and report security posture to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of cybersecurity experience with 3+ years in a leadership role
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or related field
• Deep understanding of security frameworks (e.g., NIST CSF, CIS Controls)
• Expertise in threat modeling and vulnerability management
• Hands-on experience with security tools (firewalls, endpoint protection, IDS/IPS, SIEM) and identity management (MFA, SSO)
• Experience securing Microsoft 365 and Azure environments with a Zero Trust approach
• Proven ability to lead large-scale IT/security initiatives and communicate risk to non-technical stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy aligned with organizational goals
• Lead and mentor a team of cybersecurity professionals
• Oversee configuration and maintenance of security tools (firewalls, EDR, IDS/IPS, SIEM)
• Develop and manage incident response and disaster recovery plans
• Ensure compliance with SOX ITGC and ISO 27001
• Collaborate with OT cybersecurity for IT/OT integration and governance
• Manage cybersecurity budget, vendor contracts, and cost optimization
• Drive security awareness programs across the organization

Skills

Cybersecurity leadership

Threat modeling

Incident response

Security architecture

Cloud security

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS or related field

Tools

Microsoft Defender

CrowdStrike

Microsoft Sentinel

Rapid7

Job description

Fervo Energy (NASDAQ: FRVO) is a modern power company developing next-generation geothermal resources to meet the growing demand for affordable, reliable, 24/7 carbon-free energy. Our mission is to transform geothermal into America’s most dependable and affordable source of clean, around-the-clock power. By combining innovations in horizontal drilling, fiber-optic sensing, and advanced reservoir engineering, Fervo has developed a repeatable approach to building utility-scale enhanced geothermal systems. Our flagship Cape Station development in Utah is planned to deliver 500 MW of firm, carbon-free power, and we are advancing a development pipeline of more than 50 GW. Join us and work alongside world-class engineers, geoscientists, operators, project builders, and business leaders working to make geothermal a cornerstone of a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future.

Position Description

The IT Security Manager will lead our efforts to protect Fervo’s corporate information assets, cloud environment, and data. This role will own the development and execution of our cybersecurity strategy, manage threat detection and response, and ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements that apply to our business. We are looking for someone who combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership and strategic vision to safeguard the organization against evolving cyber threats. This position will report to the Senior Director of Information Technology & Cybersecurity.

The role will be our subject matter expert (SME) for IT security posture, selecting, implementing, and evaluating the security solutions that protect our infrastructure, systems, and data and support our digital journey. It will partner closely with our operational technology (OT) cybersecurity function, which is responsible for plant and field control systems, at the points where corporate IT and plant systems meet. Beyond deep technical skills, the ideal candidate brings excellent communication and stakeholder-facing skills to build a culture of security awareness and compliance across the organization.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy aligned with organizational goals and industry best practices, with a focus on our Microsoft 365 and Azure environment. Conduct regular risk assessments and develop mitigation plans to address vulnerabilities. Stay current on emerging threats, technologies, and regulatory requirements, recommend innovative solutions, and implement improvements to security, reliability, and system performance.

Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of cybersecurity professionals, fostering skill development and collaboration while ensuring effective monitoring, threat analysis, and incident response. Allocate resources effectively to support operational and project-based initiatives.

Security Operations: Oversee the configuration, deployment, and maintenance of security tools, including firewalls, endpoint protection (e.g., Microsoft Defender, CrowdStrike), intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and SIEM solutions (e.g., Microsoft Sentinel, Rapid7). Establish and enforce security policies, procedures, and controls across the organization.

Incident Response and Recovery: Develop and manage an incident response plan, including coordination of responses to security breaches or attacks. Collaborate with IT and business units to ensure effective disaster recovery and business continuity planning. Conduct post-incident analyses to identify lessons learned and enhance preventive measures.

Compliance and Reporting: Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards such as SOX IT general controls and ISO 27001. Provide regular reports to senior leadership on the state of cybersecurity, including risk assessments and mitigation efforts.

IT/OT Integration: Partner with the OT cybersecurity function on the integration points between corporate IT and plant systems, ensuring IT-side security controls, risk, performance, and total cost of ownership are addressed.

Systems Architecture: Provide architectural assessments, strategies, and roadmaps for systems selection and implementation. Define technical evaluation criteria for product and technology selection and determine technical approaches to ensure solutions result in a coherent systems design. Assess the systems architecture currently in place and provide improvement recommendations. Maintain security documentation and licensing.

Budgeting and Vendor Management: Manage the cybersecurity budget, including hardware, software, and service agreements. Evaluate and negotiate contracts with vendors, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with business requirements.

Customer Focus and Security Awareness: Build a service-oriented security team that delivers excellent, responsive support and treats helping users as part of how we operate. Conduct security awareness training programs to educate employees on best practices and emerging threats.

Qualifications

Required

10+ years of relevant experience in cybersecurity, with 3+ years in a leadership capacity

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent experience

Deep understanding of security frameworks (e.g., NIST Cybersecurity Framework, CIS Controls)

Expertise in threat modeling and vulnerability management

Hands-on experience with security tools such as firewalls, endpoint protection (e.g., CrowdStrike), IDS/IPS, SIEM (e.g., Microsoft Sentinel, Rapid7), and DLP solutions

Knowledge of encryption technologies, authentication protocols, and identity management solutions (e.g., Microsoft Entra ID, SSO, MFA)

Hands-on experience securing Microsoft 365 and Azure environments, including identity, endpoint, and cloud security controls (e.g., Conditional Access, Microsoft Purview, Defender for Cloud), with a Zero Trust approach

Proficiency in incident response methodologies

Proven track record of leading large-scale, complex IT and security initiatives

Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to effectively communicate and present security risk concepts to non-technical stakeholders and cross-functional teams

Preferred

Experience with penetration testing and forensic investigation tools

Experience with automation and scripting (e.g., Python, PowerShell) to streamline security operations

Familiarity with OT and industrial control system (ICS) security concepts and NERC CIP, and experience working alongside an OT security team

Certifications: CISSP, CISM, CISA, CEH, or GIAC

Location

Fervo Energy is headquartered in Houston, TX, with satellite offices in the Bay Area, CA; Golden, CO; and Reno, NV. This is a hybrid position based in our Houston office, with three or more days per week in the office. Some travel is required for this position (approx. 20%).

• Fervo offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and life outside of work. Benefits for eligible employees include:
• Medical, dental, and vision plan options
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage
• A 401(k) plan with up to 6% match
• Flexible paid time off and paid parental leave
• Family-building, fertility, hormonal health, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting support through Carrot
• A dependent care FSA for eligible child and elder care expenses
• An annual Lifestyle Spending Account for eligible wellness expenses, including fitness, financial planning, pet insurance, and pet care
• Employee ownership opportunities through Fervo’s Employee Stock Purchase Program, as well as stock option grants and bonus opportunities for eligible roles

Benefits and programs are subject to eligibility requirements and may change.

Our Workplace

Fervo Energy highly values having employees work in the office to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. This role follows a hybrid schedule, with team members expected to work in the office three days per week. Fervo considers this in-office schedule an essential function of the role. Your recruiter can share more information about the schedule.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Fervo Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local law. Fervo also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that an individual has any of these characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of these characteristics.