IT Systems & Facilities Lead

Company Description

Photon Kinetics is the leading supplier of measurement solutions for the optical fiber, cable and component manufacturing industry. 95% of the world’s optical fiber has been tested using their equipment. Founded in 1979, Photon Kinetics developed a comprehensive product portfolio that streamline fiber optic measurements by simplifying time-intensive fiber preparation and handling tasks across Fiber Manufacturing, Cable Manufacturing and Next Generation Specialty Fibers. Additionally, the company provides advanced measurement technology for optical transmission systems, network monitoring, and field test equipment, as well as industry-standard fiber cleaving technology for high-performance fiber optic components and installation/maintenance equipment.

Role Overview

We are looking for a hands-on IT leader who can both stabilize what exists and modernize what’s next.

You will own the reliability of our IT infrastructure, support our internal users, coordinate facilities operations, and gradually modernize legacy systems into scalable, secure platforms.

You will work directly with leadership and play a visible role in shaping how technology enables our next phase of growth.

Top 3 Outcomes in Year 1

1. Stabilize & Document the Foundation

• Improve uptime, monitoring, and backup reliability

• Document core infrastructure and vendor relationships

• Reduce reliance on undocumented legacy knowledge

2. Modernize Key Systems Without Disruption

• Assess and recommend upgrades to legacy tools

• Improve security posture (MFA, patching, access controls)

• Begin transition toward scalable cloud-based tools

3. Establish Reliable Facilities Coordination

• Implement preventive maintenance schedules

• Improve response time for building issues

• Build strong vendor relationships and cost discipline

Key Responsibilities

IT Infrastructure & Support

• Reliability of networks, servers, endpoints, and Microsoft 365

• Internal technical support across office and light manufacturing

• Hardware and software lifecycle management

• Vendor coordination (MSP, security, telecom)

Security & Risk

• Access control and user provisioning

• Backup validation and disaster recovery readiness

• Ongoing security improvements

Business Systems Support

• Support ERP, CRM, quoting systems, and internal tools

• Improve documentation and user training

• Identify simple automation opportunities

Facilities Coordination

• Coordinate maintenance vendors (HVAC, electrical, plumbing)

• Oversee minor office improvements and repairs

• Manage building systems and security access

Qualifications Required

• 5 years hands-on IT infrastructure experience

• Strong networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, firewalls)

• Experience supporting Microsoft 365 environments

• Ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve issues

• High integrity handling sensitive systems and data

Preferred

• Experience modernizing legacy IT environments

• Backup/disaster recovery ownership experience

• ERP or CRM support experience

• Experience coordinating facility vendors

• Exposure to manufacturing environments

Why This Role Is Different

• Direct visibility with executive leadership

• Real ownership — not ticket-only support

• Ability to shape modernization decisions

• Small team environment where your work matters

• Stable, established company with strong technical reputation