IT Director

About the Role

LightPath Technologies, Inc. is a leading global provider of precision optics and photonics solutions, serving defense, aerospace, medical, and industrial markets. We offer a collaborative, technology-driven environment and opportunities to work on cutting-edge programs. The Director of Information Technology will lead the company’s day-to-day IT operations, infrastructure, support services, cybersecurity operations, and technology execution initiatives across multiple business locations. This hands-on leadership role ensures the stability, security, scalability, and operational effectiveness of the company's IT environment while supporting broader cybersecurity, compliance, and business continuity objectives. The position reports directly to executive leadership and works closely with strategic cybersecurity, compliance, and governance advisors.

Responsibilities

• IT Operations & Infrastructure Leadership
  • Lead and oversee daily IT operations across all LightPath locations and business units.
  • Ensure availability, performance, and reliability of Microsoft 365 environment, Azure infrastructure, endpoint management systems, network infrastructure, voice and communication systems, and core business applications.
  • Manage operational uptime and reduce recurring technical issues through proactive IT management.
  • Oversee hardware lifecycle management, system upgrades, patching, and infrastructure maintenance.
• IT Team Leadership
  • Lead, mentor, and manage internal IT staff and contractors.
  • Establish operational accountability and performance expectations.
  • Drive a responsive, customer-service-oriented IT culture.
  • Prioritize and delegate workload across the IT organization.
  • Support professional growth and development of IT personnel.
• Cybersecurity Operations & Risk Management
  • Support operational cybersecurity initiatives aligned with company security policies and Zero Trust principles.
  • Coordinate with managed security providers and internal leadership on endpoint security, threat monitoring, incident escalation, vulnerability remediation, and access control management.
  • Ensure operational adherence to multi-factor authentication (MFA), identity and access management standards, endpoint compliance requirements, and security patching protocols.
  • Participate in incident response coordination and remediation activities.
• Compliance & Audit Readiness
  • Support operational readiness efforts associated with CMMC 2.0, NIST SP 800-171, ITAR, SOX, and internal audit requirements.
  • Ensure IT operational processes and documentation remain audit-ready.
  • Assist with evidence gathering, remediation tracking, and compliance-related operational activities.
  • Enforce IT operational policies, SOPs, and technical standards.
• Vendor & MSP Management
  • Serve as the operational liaison for managed service providers, security vendors, and technology partners.
  • Hold vendors accountable to service-level agreements (SLAs) and contractual obligations.
  • Coordinate escalations, maintenance activities, and operational support efforts.
  • Participate in vendor evaluations and technology solution assessments.
• Project & Technology Execution
  • Lead implementation and execution of IT infrastructure and operational technology projects.
  • Coordinate timelines, resources, and deliverables across departments and vendors.
  • Support operational rollout of infrastructure upgrades, cloud initiatives, security improvements, and enterprise technology solutions.
  • Ensure projects are delivered efficiently with minimal operational disruption.
• Operational Planning & Budget Support
  • Assist executive leadership with IT operational budgeting, hardware/software planning, vendor cost management, and asset lifecycle forecasting.
  • Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost optimization.

Requirements

• Experience
  • 8–15 years of progressive IT experience.
  • Minimum 5 years in IT leadership or management roles.
  • Experience managing IT operations in multi-site organizations.
  • Experience leading internal IT teams and coordinating third-party vendors/MSPs.
  • Strong background in infrastructure operations, end-user computing, cloud services, and operational cybersecurity.
  • Experience with environments supporting manufacturing, engineering, or regulated industries is strongly preferred.
• Technical Expertise
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365 ecosystem, Microsoft Entra ID / Active Directory, Microsoft Intune and endpoint management, Azure infrastructure and cloud administration.
  • Network infrastructure, VPNs, firewalls, and wireless technologies.
  • Endpoint security and operational cybersecurity practices.
  • ITSM platforms and ticketing systems.
  • Backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity operations.
• Security & Compliance Awareness
  • Working knowledge of CMMC 2.0, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST SP 800-171, ITAR, and cybersecurity operational best practices.
  • Audit support and operational compliance processes.
• Leadership Competencies
  • Strong operational leadership and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Calm, structured decision-making during incidents or operational challenges.
  • Ability to balance strategic direction with hands-on operational execution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field.
• Relevant certifications preferred, such as ITIL, Microsoft certifications, CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or Azure certifications.

Benefits

LightPath Technologies offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports employees’ health, growth, and work-life balance.