About The RoleWe are looking for a
VP of IT and Cybersecurity to build and lead the IT and security function at ACS from the ground up. You will own everything from day-to-day infrastructure and help desk to classified work readiness, government compliance, and security architecture for a rapidly scaling defense company. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires genuine technical depth alongside the ability to set strategy, build teams, and operate in a complex regulatory environment. The right candidate has a "yes-first" mindset, enabling operational efficiency while maintaining a secure and compliant environment across engineering, manufacturing, mission operations, and business development teams.
What You'll Do- Build and manage IT operations across endpoint and device management, computing cluster administration, identity and access management, help desk, incident response, and network and security architecture.
- Own government compliance across CMMC, NIST 800-171, and ITAR-controlled operations; drive CMMC readiness and lead the organization toward C3PAO audit prior to the November 2026 deadline.
- Develop a roadmap for classified work infrastructure including secure environments, SCIF planning and buildout, and the controls and operating procedures required to support classified programs.
- Build IT security protocols for international operational travel and deployment; support export compliance administration and facilities security operations.
- Lead enterprise software implementation and support; partner with engineering, manufacturing, mission operations, business development, contracts, and innovation lab teams to deliver technology solutions that enable operational efficiency across the company.
What You'll Need- Hands-on technical ability as a system administrator; proficiency in Unix command line, Bash scripting, and Windows scripting is a hard requirement for this role.
- Familiarity with government contracting requirements and export controls including CMMC, NIST 800-171, and ITAR; demonstrated experience driving compliance programs in a defense or government contracting environment.
- Experience supporting field deployment operations including IT security protocols for international travel; enabling, pragmatic, and risk-based approach to security decision-making.
- Proven ability to build and lead IT teams; experience scaling infrastructure and security programs in a fast-moving environment.
You'll Stand Out- CMMC certification or direct experience leading a CMMC readiness and C3PAO audit process.
- Prior experience with classified work environments, SCIF planning and buildout, or supporting programs requiring CUI controls.
- Active security clearance or prior clearance with the ability to reinstate.
- Experience in a fast-scaling defense tech or deep tech startup environment.
What We Offer- Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
