Information Technology Manager

IT Manager

A well-established aerospace manufacturing company in Carson/Long Beach, CA is seeking a hands-on IT Manager to lead a small but critical IT department supporting approximately 200 employees. This is a 100% onsite leadership role for someone who is both technically strong and forward-thinking, with the ability to manage day-to-day IT operations while helping ownership modernize the company's technology, cybersecurity, systems, and future use of artificial intelligence and new business tools. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in Microsoft Server environments, network administration, cybersecurity, CMMC/NIST 800-171 compliance, and IT infrastructure support. Experience working with aerospace, manufacturing, or defense contractors is highly preferred, but not required. This is a strong opportunity for a high-energy IT leader who enjoys rolling up their sleeves, building structure, improving systems, and helping a solid manufacturing organization move forward.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a three-person IT department supporting a 200-employee aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership across systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and end-user support.
• Evaluate current IT systems, tools, security posture, and infrastructure, then work with ownership to recommend improvements.
• Lead and support CMMC and NIST 800-171 compliance efforts, including documentation, controls, remediation, and ongoing enforcement.
• Manage and support Microsoft Server environments, including Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, user access, NTFS permissions, and PowerShell.
• Manage and support ERP System (Epicor)
• Oversee network administration, including LAN/WAN, switches, firewalls, MFA, VPNs, connectivity, and security protocols.
• Maintain and improve Microsoft CIS Benchmark security practices.
• Monitor system performance, uptime, backups, cybersecurity risks, and infrastructure reliability.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, network, server, and security-related issues.
• Manage system upgrades, patches, backup processes, disaster recovery planning, and security improvements.
• Support shop floor, office, engineering, and administrative teams with practical IT solutions.
• Maintain accurate documentation of systems, processes, incidents, security controls, and compliance requirements.
• Partner with ownership and leadership on technology planning, cybersecurity initiatives, AI adoption, and process improvement.
• Create a proactive, service-oriented IT culture focused on reliability, security, and continuous improvement.
• Provide occasional off-hours or weekend support as needed for upgrades, issue resolution, or production support.

5-10 years of progressive IT experience, including systems support, network administration, infrastructure management, or IT leadership. Prior experience managing or mentoring IT staff preferred. Strong experience with Microsoft Server environments, including Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, NTFS permissions, and PowerShell. Working knowledge of network infrastructure, including LAN/WAN, switches, firewalls, MFA, VPNs, and endpoint security. Experience with CMMC, NIST 800-171, cybersecurity compliance, or Microsoft CIS Benchmark security practices is highly preferred. Experience with ERP Systems - Epicor preferred. Experience in aerospace, defense contracting, manufacturing, or industrial environments is a strong plus. Ability to balance leadership responsibility with hands-on technical support. Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and problem-solving skills. Ability to evaluate current systems and recommend practical improvements. Interest in emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, automation, and new IT tools. Excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical team members. Strong customer-service mindset and ability to support users across all levels of the organization.

Skills & Attributes:

• Positive, high-energy leadership style.
• Hands-on, practical, and solution-driven.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and documentation-focused.
• Proactive approach to cybersecurity, compliance, and system reliability.
• Comfortable working directly with ownership and senior leadership.
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong ethical judgment and commitment to secure IT practices.
• Adaptable, open to change, and willing to help modernize systems and processes.
• Team player who can lead, mentor, and support a small IT department.

Work Environment:

This position is 100% onsite at a large aerospace manufacturing facility in Carson/Long Beach CA. The role includes a combination of desk-based IT leadership, hands-on technical support, shop floor support, infrastructure management, and collaboration with company leadership. Occasional off-hours or weekend work may be required for upgrades, maintenance, production support, or urgent issue resolution.

Compensation is expected to be in the $125-150k per year range, with flexibility depending on experience, technical depth, leadership ability, and CMMC/cybersecurity background.