Systems Administrator

The Systems Administrator will lead information technology function, overseeing day-to-day IT operations while driving strategic initiatives that support the company’s manufacturing mission. This role requires a well-rounded IT professional who is comfortable managing on-premise server infrastructure, supporting and developing ERP systems (Epicor preferred), navigating cybersecurity compliance frameworks such as CMMC, and exploring practical applications of large language models (LLMs). The IT Manager will also serve as the internal point of contact for collaboration with a strategic technology partner on custom application development.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain IT infrastructure, including in-house servers, networking equipment, workstations, and backup/disaster recovery systems.
• Administer, support, and drive continuous improvement of the company’s ERP system (Epicor or similar), including module configuration, reporting, and end-user training.
• Serve as the primary liaison with a world-class enterprise data and AI platform partner for the development and deployment of custom in-house applications, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Support progress toward CMMC compliance, coordinating with leadership and external consultants to implement required cybersecurity controls and documentation.
• Evaluate, pilot, and implement large language model (LLM) tools and AI-driven solutions that improve operational efficiency across the organization.
• Develop and enforce IT policies, procedures, and security protocols in alignment with manufacturing and defense industry requirements.
• Manage vendor relationships for hardware, software, telecommunications, and managed services.
• Provide technical leadership, troubleshooting, and hands-on support for all IT-related issues across the facility.
• Plan and manage the IT budget, including capital expenditure recommendations for hardware and software investments.
• Report to the VP of Quality on compliance and quality-system-related IT matters, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the President on strategic technology initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 5 years of progressive IT experience, with at least 2 years in a management or lead role.
• Working knowledge of CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) framework and the ability to support compliance efforts; expert-level certification not required.
• Hands-on experience with on-premise server hardware, virtualization (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V), and network administration.
• Experience supporting or administering an ERP system—Epicor experience strongly preferred. Ability to contribute to ERP development, customization, and integration projects.
• Familiarity with large language models (LLMs) and emerging AI tools; understanding of practical business applications, data privacy considerations, and implementation strategies.
• Experience working with or alongside third-party technology partners on application development projects.
• Strong understanding of IT security best practices, particularly in a manufacturing or defense-adjacent environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing environment, especially one serving defense, nuclear, or other highly regulated industries.
• Familiarity with enterprise-grade data integration, ontology-based modeling, or advanced analytics platforms (e.g., Foundry, Databricks, or similar).
• Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Security , CMMC Registered Practitioner (RP), Microsoft Certified, or similar.
• Understanding of ITAR, NIST 800-171, or related regulatory frameworks.