Manager, IT Engineering
FDH Aero · Irving, TX · 2 days ago
Information TechnologyFull-time
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This position is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.