IT Operations Manager

Position Summary:

We are seeking a hands-on, security-first Manager of IT Operations, to build and lead a scalable internal IT function, suitable for a deep tech organization scaling from 35 to 100+ employees. Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, this person will own all aspects of both physical & virtual IT infrastructure, technical security, and end-user support.

The successful candidate will be a clear and concise communicator, able to effectively consult at the “ground level” to troubleshoot issues, whilst also advising on network, security and compliance architecture with C-suite stakeholders. We are seeking a candidate who understands the important balance of integrating employee experience with technology frameworks, process and rollouts.

This is a builder’s role, and our first internal owner of IT operations, vendor relationships, and technical infrastructure for the company. This presents a unique opportunity to gain autonomy in the design and direction of our IT systems and policy from the ground up.

This role requires access to facilities, technical data, and systems subject to U.S. export control regulations (ITAR/EAR).

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. The company is unable to provide employment visa sponsorship for this position.

What You'll Do:

IT Infrastructure & Operations (55%)

• Review, design, optimize and build our end-to-end IT infrastructure, including network, servers, cloud environments (Google Workspace/MS365, Amazon Web Services), endpoint devices, and telecom/communication tools, including Zoom infrastructure and conferencing hardware (e.g., Zoom Rooms).

• Manage day-to-day end-user support, ensuring rapid resolution of hardware, software, and access issues for a growing onsite/hybrid workforce.

• Own device & hardware provisioning for new and existing employees, ensuring secure identity and access management (SSO/MFA), mobile device management (MDM), and software/security licensing across the organization.

• Develop and maintain IT policies, procedures, and documentation, including onboarding/offboarding checklists, asset inventory, and disaster recovery/business continuity plans.

• Own IT & security training for onboarding and new systems rollouts, as well as building supporting visual documentation for future use.

• Manage AI subscriptions, settings, and usage to protect sensitive data. Monitor policy and compliance updates and communicate key changes to staff. Lead “responsible AI usage” training.

Security & Compliance (30%)

• Own the company’s cybersecurity planning, including endpoint protection, network security, data loss prevention, and incident response planning. AI security experience would be beneficial.

• Lead IT-related compliance efforts supporting CMMC, NIST 800-171, and other federal/defense-industry security requirements applicable to company contracts.

• Partner with company leadership and outside counsel/consultants on export control (ITAR/EAR) requirements as they relate to IT systems, data segregation, and facility access controls.

• Conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability management and lead employee security awareness training.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for IT security audits, customer security questionnaires, and compliance certifications.

Vendor Management & IT Projects (15%)

• Evaluate, select, and manage relationships with IT vendors, software/hardware providers, and telecom/internet providers, including contract negotiation and renewals.

• Lead IT-related projects supporting office moves, expansions, or new site buildouts as the company scales.

• Partner with the VP of Operations and department leads to plan and budget IT infrastructure investments that support the company’s growth trajectory.

• Research and recommend new tools and systems (ticketing, asset management, security platforms) to improve IT service delivery as the team grows.

What You'll Bring:

• 3 - 7+ years of IT experience, including systems administration, network management, AI systems security, and end-user support.

• Experience managing an IT function independently, or as part of a small team.

• Demonstrated experience managing IT infrastructure for a growing organization (startup or scale-up strongly preferred). Experience in MSP insourcing would be beneficial, but not essential.

• Working knowledge of cybersecurity fundamentals, and familiarity with compliance frameworks such as CMMC, NIST 800-171, SOC 2, or ISO 27001.

• Hands-on experience administering cloud productivity platforms (M365, Google Workspace, AWS), identity/access management tools, and MDM solutions.

• Hands-on experience with Zoom hardware and management of Zoom infrastructure (e.g., Zoom Rooms and conference-room AV/conferencing devices).

• Must be able to work with minimal direction, exercising sound judgment and prioritization across competing operational demands.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders and leadership.

• Onsite presence is required. Some out-of-hours support is also necessary.

Nice to Have:

• Relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+, Network+, ITIL Foundation, Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator, or similar).

• Experience supporting a cleared or export-controlled environment, including facility security/IT controls in partnership with a Facility Security Officer (FSO).

• Defense, aerospace, or advanced technology/manufacturing industry experience.

• Experience building an IT function from the ground up, including vendor selection, policy creation, and budget ownership.

• Experience supporting an organization in dual defense & commercial business lines.

Compensation & Benefits:

The salary range for this role is $120,000 - $150,000, and we are committed to equitable compensation across the company. Total compensation includes equity in the form of stock options. We administer benefits through Thatch, providing an annual company-funded allowance that gives employees the flexibility to choose the health plans and coverage that best fit their needs. We also offer a four-week vacation policy and encourage folks to take regular, meaningful PTO.

About Irradiant Technologies:

Irradiant Technologies is a nano-optics and photonics foundry building unique 3D nanofabricated components, traditionally difficult or impossible to manufacture. Using two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing, we create micro-optics and passive optical interconnects that change how light is used to sense, communicate, image, display, and compute across defense and commercial markets. With our ongoing Series A fund raise and our manufacturing scale-up, we are expanding our operations team to build, maintain, and optimize our IT infrastructure, systems, security and end-user support.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Irradiant Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team free from discrimination and harassment, and we encourage candidates of any race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran, or disability status to apply. Applicants with a disability are encouraged to contact us with any requests for accommodation.