Manager, IT Engineering

About the role

The Manager, IT Engineering is a working manager responsible for leading infrastructure and cloud operations across a 650-person, multi-site aerospace organization. This role operates at both a strategic and technical level, guiding a team of three specialized systems engineers while remaining hands-on across hybrid infrastructure, Microsoft Azure, and enterprise networking.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage hybrid IT infrastructure across on-premises and Azure cloud environments (60/40 split)
• Administer and optimize Windows Server, Hyper-V, VMware, and Active Directory/Entra ID environments
• Oversee Meraki networking infrastructure including switches, wireless access points, firewalls, and SD-WAN
• Ensure infrastructure reliability, performance, and capacity planning across global locations
• Lead backup strategy, disaster, recovery planning, and business continuity operations
• Architect and manage Microsoft Azure services including IaaS, M365, Intune, Defender, and cloud backup solutions
• Drive adoption, optimization, and governance of the Microsoft 365 and Azure platform
• Maintain Intune-based device management and Defender security posture across the organization
• Maintain and improve security posture aligned with NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC Level 2 (or higher) requirements
• Partner with leadership on security risk assessments, audits, and remediation activities
• Ensure compliance controls are implemented and documented across infrastructure and cloud services
• Directly manager three systems engineers with dedicated focuses in networking, cloud, and general infrastructure
• Set clear goals, provide mentorship, and drive professional development for each team member
• Build a high-performance team culture focused on operational discipline, continuous improvement, and accountability
• Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and career development planning
• Own vendor relationships across infrastructure, cloud, networking, and tooling providers
• Manage IT infrastructure budget including forecasting, procurement, and cost optimization
• Evaluate and negotiate contracts, renewals, and SLAs with key technology partners
• Administer and optimize Freshservice for ITSM – including ticketing, change management, and asset tracking
• Establish and enforce change management processes and operational runbooks
• Drive automation and process improvements to increase team efficiency and reduce manual toil
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or equivalent work experience
• 7+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, systems administration, or related engineering roles
• 3+ years in a management or lead role overseeing technical teams
• Hands-on expertise with Microsoft Azure, M365, Intune, and Defender
• Strong working knowledge of Windows Server, Hyper-V, VMware, and Active Directory/Entra ID
• Experience with Cisco Meraki networking – LAN/WAN, SD-WAN, wireless, and firewall management
• Demonstrated knowledge of NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC compliance frameworks
• Proficiency with SIEM platforms; Microsoft Sentinel experience strongly preferred
• Experience managing ITSM platforms (Freshservice or equivalent)
• Proven ability to own budgets, manage vendors, and negotiate contracts
• Strong communication skills – able to translate technical concepts for non-technical leadership
• Experience working in Aerospace preferred
• Hybrid Infrastructure & Cloud expertise – strong technical capability across on-premises and Azure cloud environments, including Microsoft 365, virtualization, and enterprise systems
• Deep understanding of NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC frameworks with ability to maintain secure, compliant IT environments and manage SIEM operations
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop technical teams
• Expertise in ensuring system performance, uptime, disaster recovery, and business continuity across multi-site environments
• Strong experience with IT service management platforms, change management, and automation to improve operational efficiency

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.
• ITAR requirement 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Company Information

FDH Aero is a trusted global supply chain solutions partner for aerospace and defense companies, helping to shape the industry by simplifying the supply chain. With over 60 years serving as a leading independent industry partner, FDH specializes in hardware, electrical, consumables and expendables, licensed products, and value-added services for global OEM and aftermarket customers. FDH is headquartered in Commerce, California, and has operations across the Americas, EMEA and APAC. FDH Aero – named a Best Places to Work in Aviation in 2024 – has locations in 14 countries across the globe, with more than 1,500 best-in-industry employees and over 650,000 square feet of inventory space.