IT Manager

About OKSI
Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) designs and builds EO/IR sensor systems, autonomous platforms, and modeling and simulation technology that give warfighters a decisive edge. We're a small, fast-moving team where your work reaches the field in months, not years.

The Role

The IT Manager leads OKSI's IT Systems team and owns the security, reliability, and compliance of our IT environment. This is a hands-on leadership role: you'll manage people and vendors while staying close to the technology, and you'll drive our CMMC and NIST SP 800-171 compliance as we grow.

What You'll Do

Team and Operational Leadership

• Lead and develop the IT Systems team; coordinate staffing, service delivery, and support for business and program needs.
• Manage IT budgets, vendors, contracts, and technology lifecycle planning.
• Report IT and cybersecurity risks, priorities, and needs to leadership.

IT Systems and Infrastructure

• Oversee reliable, secure IT operations, infrastructure, and user support.
• Direct staff supporting networks, endpoints, Microsoft 365, Entra ID, Intune, Fortinet, and engineering systems.
• Oversee Windows and Linux administration, access controls, patching, backups, and recovery.
• Review new technology and AI tools for security, compliance, and business suitability.

Cybersecurity and Compliance

• Lead CMMC readiness and compliance with applicable DFARS and NIST SP 800-171 requirements.
• Oversee cybersecurity monitoring, assessments, incident response, and corrective actions.
• Set IT policies, standards, governance, and security awareness expectations.
• Partner with the FSO and designated ISSM on security requirements for IT and classified information systems.

What You'll Need

• Experience in IT operations or cybersecurity, including direct supervision of IT staff.
• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365, Entra ID, Intune, Fortinet, networking, and Windows/Linux systems.
• Knowledge of CMMC, applicable DFARS requirements, and NIST SP 800-171.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Ability to work on site in Torrance and respond to urgent IT and security issues.

Nice to Have

• Security+, CISSP, or a comparable cybersecurity certification.
• Experience in a cleared defense contractor environment.
• Experience supporting classified information systems, NIST SP 800-53 environments, and system authorization activities.
• Experience supporting engineering labs or aerospace development environments.

Compensation and Benefits

• $135,000 - $165,000 annually. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint depending on qualifications and the budget allocated for this role.
• Medical, dental, vision fully paid by the employer for the employee
• Three weeks vacation
• Automatic company contribution to 401K – 5% of earned wages (no matching required)
• Educational assistance

This role is located in Torrance, CA. Regular on-site presence is required for direct FSO and facilities duties; limited hybrid scheduling may be available when consistent with those duties and IT staff supervision. Classified work must be performed in authorized locations.

ITAR Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

We are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and hiring process.

This employer participates in E-Verify.