Director of Information Technology

Quantum Fuel Systems / www.qtww.com

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Location: Lake Forest, CA (onsite at company headquarters)

Employment type: Full-time

FLSA: Exempt

Pay Range: $160,000 - $190,000/year

Position Summary

The Director of Information Technology is a newly elevated, strategic leadership role reporting directly to the CEO. This position is being created to bring senior-level IT vision to the organization as our technology needs grow in complexity, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise systems, and the responsible adoption of AI across the business. The Director will build on the strong operational foundation laid by our current IT team, providing the strategic direction, executive partnership, and technical depth needed to guide the company through its next phase of growth.

Due to the hands-on nature of this role and need for close collaboration with our production team, this position is 100% onsite at our Lake Forest, CA headquarters. Depending on business needs, a hybrid schedule may be considered in the future.

What You'll Do

• Develop and own the company's IT strategy and multi-year technology roadmap, aligning investments with business goals and manufacturing operations.
• Serve as a trusted technology advisor to the CEO and executive team, translating business needs into practical, well-sequenced technology decisions.
• Lead, mentor, and grow the existing IT function, including current IT staff, building structure, career paths, and technical depth where the department has historically been more tactical than strategic.
• Own enterprise infrastructure, network, and cybersecurity strategy across headquarters and manufacturing sites, including risk assessment, incident response, and data protection.
• Evaluate, select, and oversee core business systems (ERP, MES, and related platforms), ensuring reliability and fit for a multi-site manufacturing environment.
• Define a responsible, business-aligned approach to AI adoption, evaluating tools and use cases, setting guardrails in partnership with the executive team, and building organizational readiness.
• Bridge IT and operational technology (OT) on the manufacturing floor, partnering with plant leadership on systems that support production, quality, and safety.
• Manage the IT budget, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations, ensuring cost-effective and scalable solutions.
• Own business continuity and disaster recovery planning across all company locations.
• Ensure technology practices support data privacy and regulatory obligations across all operations, partnering closely with executive leadership.
• Travel periodically to support site leadership and ensure technology needs are met across all locations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field; Master's degree a plus.
• 8+ years of progressive IT experience, including at least 3-5 years in a senior IT leadership role.
• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment strongly preferred, including familiarity with ERP/MES systems and plant-floor technology.
• Demonstrated experience developing IT strategy and communicating it to executive leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of enterprise cybersecurity practices and frameworks.
• Exposure to evaluating or implementing AI tools in a business setting, with sound judgment about risk, data privacy, and appropriate use.
• Experience supporting multi-site or multi-state operations preferred.
• A collaborative, people-first leadership style: someone who can develop existing talent, not just direct it.
• Strong project management and vendor negotiation skills.

Physical Requirements and Attendance

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer. Ability to operate a computer, keyboard, and other office equipment. Ability to communicate effectively via phone, video conferencing, and written correspondence. Ability to lift and carry IT equipment (e.g., printers, monitors, laptops, networking hardware) up to 35 lbs. Ability to navigate stairs and move between floors/workspaces to set up or troubleshoot equipment. Occasional bending, reaching, kneeling, or crouching to install, inspect, or repair IT equipment. Occasional travel between company locations may be required.

Regular, reliable attendance and availability during core business hours is an essential function of this position. This role is currently onsite; however, the company may consider a hybrid work arrangement in the future based on business needs. Whether onsite or working remotely, the Director of IT must be available for scheduled meetings, respond promptly to urgent IT issues from the IT team members or executive team, and be reachable during standard working hours.

Why Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to build a modern IT function from a strong existing foundation, shaping strategy, team development, and technology direction (including AI) at the executive table, in a growing manufacturing company headquartered in Lake Forest, CA.

Benefits

• Health care plans (medical, dental & vision) - choose from 2 HMO and 2 PPO medical plans
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Retirement plan (401k) with company match
• Life insurance (basic, voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid time off (vacation, sick & selected holidays)
• Family leave (maternity/paternity)
• Short & long term disability plans