Head of Field Operations
Location: Portland/Milwaukie, OR
Reports to: CEO
Stage: Foundational leadership role
Compensation: $100K-$140K (DOE) + meaningful equity + performance bonus
Benefits: Paid Time Off, Continuing Education Reimbursement
The Mission
At Aris Hydronics we believe a home is more than shelter; it is the foundation of comfort and security in a changing world. While our primary goal is to lead North America to higher-performance, cleaner, and more resilient hydronic HVAC systems, we know that technology alone is not enough. We are intent on also building lasting economic resilience by creating new, accessible, well-paying, and technically respected careers in durable, clean, energy. With Aris we don’t just provide our customers with better HVAC systems; we are dedicated to providing a better experience throughout, and to build a category-defining company with a premier workforce “engine” that powers it.
The Role: Build the Engine
We are seeking a Head of Field Operations to design and build the "machine" that delivers our technology. This is a "Hybrid Athlete" role requiring the skilled hands of a tradesperson, the systems-thinking mind of an engineer, and a relentless passion for operational excellence.
You will work directly with the CEO to take Aris from pilot installs to a scalable commercial launch. You aren't just running crews; you are designing the SOPs, the culture, and the "Aris Way" that will eventually scale from Portland to the rest of the continent.
Note: In the early days, this role is very hands-on. You will be on job sites regularly, working with builders and homeowners while creating the structure that lets others do the same.
What Success Looks Like (12–18 Months)
The Aris Deployment Playbook: Field operations are fully established and ready for scale.
Team Leadership: Two fully functioning install crews in Portland that you personally recruited, trained, and led.
Operational Efficiency: An established "continuous learning loop" that improves cost, quality, and speed.
Logistics Optimization: Optimized shop and work-vehicle deployment structures.
Process Clarity: Defined protocols for installation, QA/QC, training, and builder coordination.
Scalable Quality: The ability to maintain installation consistency across multiple crews and remote locations.
Strategic Growth: A foundation for P&L ownership and regional expansion.
What You’ll Own
Field Leadership: Lead from the front by participating in installs to ensure "Aris quality" is evident in every fitting.
System Deployment: Treat the job site as your laboratory—documenting and iterating on protocols to increase speed and predictability while lowering costs.
Stakeholder Diplomacy: Serve as the face of Aris to high-performance builders and homeowners, turning complex technical installs into a seamless "wow" experience.
Talent Cultivation: Hire and mentor the next generation of installers, building a culture where no task is "below" anyone and the pressure of the work is viewed as a privilege.
Installation Operations: Optimize reporting standards for QC, cost savings, and project delivery while presenting quarterly roadmap updates.
Who You Are
The Industry Disruptor: You may come from Modular Building, Solar, or EV Infrastructure—or you are a seasoned HVAC/Plumbing pro ready to move beyond the status quo.
The "Good-Natured Ass-Kicker": You maintain a high bar for outcomes and momentum, leading with empathy, humor, and a "Yes, And" spirit.
Field-First Thinker: You believe truth is found on the job site, not a whiteboard, and you prioritize solutions that work for real people and tools.
Founder Mentality: You thrive in the ambiguity of a startup; you don’t wait for a manual—you write it.
Clear-Eyed Operator: This isn't just a strategic role or a permanent "firefighter" role. You want to build systems and teams that outlast your individual efforts.
Requirements
Leadership: Proven track record of managing multi-phase projects and leading small-to-medium teams.
Experience: Minimum 5 years in site supervision, construction management, or crew management.
Physicality: Ability to stand, crouch, or kneel for extended periods and lift up to 60 lbs.
Location: Based in or near Oak Grove/Portland Metro, Oregon, with a willingness to be on-site daily.
Growth & Ownership
As a foundational early stage leader, you’ll build the deployment engine of a category-defining critical home services company. This role is designed to grow as Aris grows—with a clear path toward GM or Regional P&L ownership as the company scales.
You will have the opportunity to move from leading Portland Metro crews today to owning the entire field organization as we expand into the next set of markets. You will receive competitive early-stage cash and meaningful equity.
Why Aris
Aris Hydronics (ariscomfort.com) is challenging a $45B new construction and deep retrofit HVAC market by reimagining how homes are heated, cooled, and supplied with hot water. Instead of pushing air or refrigerant through walls, Aris moves water through a closed-loop system to deliver all-electric comfort for less than conventional heat pump systems. For builders, Aris simplifies purchasing, design, and installs by offering a vertically integrated approach that makes electrifying HVAC not just competitive but fundamentally more accessible and valuable.
Questions?