Position SummaryThe Chief Information Officer leads the information-technology, cybersecurity, and digital strategy for the Company. Reporting to the CEO, the CIO is accountable for a secure, resilient, and compliant technology environment that supports a defense manufacturer operating under ITAR and pursuing CMMC readiness. This executive will set IT/OT strategy, own the enterprise ERP platform, modernize infrastructure, and build a cybersecurity program aligned to NIST SP 800-171 / CMMC-directly enabling the company's growth and value-creation agenda.
Key Responsibilities- Define and execute the enterprise IT and digital strategy in alignment with business objectives and the value-creation plan.
- Own cybersecurity and compliance, building and maintaining a program aligned to NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC, including ITAR/EAR data-handling controls and DFARS [redacted] requirements.
- Serve as executive owner of the enterprise ERP platform and the broader application portfolio, prioritizing the roadmap and major initiatives.
- Lead infrastructure modernization across network, servers, cloud, endpoints, and manufacturing/OT systems, ensuring uptime, security, and disaster recovery.
- Establish IT governance, policies, KPIs, budgeting, and vendor / managed-service relationships.
- Partner with operations and engineering to advance digital manufacturing, data, and shop-floor connectivity initiatives.
- Build, lead, and develop the IT organization; create scalable processes and a service-oriented support model.
- Manage IT risk, audit response, and incident response; report posture and initiatives to the executive team and sponsor.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
- 12+ years of IT leadership, including a senior IT executive role (CIO, VP IT, or IT Director) in a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience building and running a cybersecurity / compliance program (NIST 800-171, CMMC, or equivalent).
- Executive ownership of an enterprise ERP implementation or operation.
- Strong leadership, budgeting, and vendor-management capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications- Aerospace & defense industry experience and familiarity with ITAR/EAR and DFARS.
- Direct experience achieving or maintaining CMMC certification.
- Epicor (Kinetic) platform experience.
- Experience in a private-equity-owned or multi-site environment, including integrations.
- Relevant certifications (CISSP, CISM, PMP).
Compensation & BenefitsBase salary range of $200,000 - $250,000, commensurate with experience, plus an annual performance bonus and a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off). The posted range reflects the anticipated base pay for this role in California; actual compensation will depend on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.
Work Authorization & EligibilityThis position supports ITAR- and EAR-controlled programs. Applicants must be a "U.S. Person" as defined under 22 CFR 120.62 (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual). The facility is access-controlled and the role is subject to a background check and, for certain programs, eligibility for a U.S. government security clearance.
