We are seeking a hands-on, strategic Cybersecurity and Systems Operations Manager,to drive and evolve HyperLight's information-technology infrastructure and systems from our Cambridge, MA headquarters. This hybrid technical + operational role spans lab, production, and business environments, and requires a candidate who is comfortable with both core infrastructure engineering and pragmatic IT operations support in a fast-moving hardware startup.
At HyperLight, you'll join a world-class team working at the frontier of integrated photonics - combining materials science, system design, and scalable manufacturing. The IT infrastructure you build and maintain will be foundational to enabling rapid product development, manufacturing execution, and business growth. You'll thrive if you enjoy both designing robust systems and rolling up your sleeves to solve real-world IT challenges in a dynamic environment.
Responsibilities- Define, own and execute the IT roadmap: network architecture, servers/storage, endpoint devices, collaboration tools, cloud services.
- Manage day-to-day IT operations across office, lab and production spaces: user support, device lifecycle (procure/onboard/offboard), system uptime, SLA tracking.
- Architect, deploy and maintain enterprise networking: LAN/WAN, VPNs, wireless, firewalls, switches, segmentation for lab/production vs office environments.
- Lead systems administration including Windows, macOS, Linux, virtual environments, and related tooling (e.g., Active Directory / Azure AD, MDM).
- Oversee cloud platform integration (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid on-prem/cloud models to support R&D, manufacturing, business IT.
- Develop and enforce cybersecurity, data protection and access-control frameworks: including identity management, endpoint security, backup/disaster recovery, incident response.
- Partner cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing/ops, product, and business functions to understand their IT needs and deliver tailored solutions.
- Manage vendor and service-provider relationships, negotiate contracts, manage budget for hardware/software/IT services.
- Create and maintain documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), asset inventory, and reporting to leadership on IT health, risk, and opportunities for improvement.
- Drive continuous improvement: evaluate emerging technologies, optimize cost/efficiency, support scaling of infrastructure as HyperLight grows.
Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline - or equivalent hands-on experience.
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in IT infrastructure management, systems administration, or network engineering, preferably in high-growth or hardware/manufacturing environments.
- Deep hands-on experience with enterprise networking (LAN/WAN, firewalls/VPNs, switches/WiFi), endpoint management (Windows/macOS/Linux), and hybrid cloud architectures.
- Proven experience deploying and managing cloud services (AWS, Azure, GCP) and integrating on-premises with cloud environments.
- Strong cybersecurity awareness and experience implementing identity management, endpoint security, data protection/shadow-IT prevention.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, ability to adapt in a fast-paced startup environment, and capability to balance strategic roadmaps with tactical execution.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills: able to work with engineering, manufacturing, business teams, and executive leadership.
- Experience managing vendor relationships, budgeting, and procurement of IT hardware/software assets.
- Bonus: Experience with DevOps practices, proficiency in Python or other programming languages, and a background in Physics or Electrical Engineering.
Benefits- Competitive market-based compensation (Salary range of $125,000 - $165,000 per year)
- Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, vision, and dental plans for individuals and families
- 401(k) retirement plans with employee matching
- Paid Parental Leave
- Life and disability insurance
- Commuter benefits and subsidies
- Professional growth and mentorship opportunities
