Director, IT Operations

Sierra Space Careers: Dare to Dream

We honor those that are not afraid to dream big dreams, those that tenaciously chase their dreams even when others say it cannot be done, those that achieve big dreams and change everything. Those are Dreams Worth Chasing.

At Sierra Space we envision a future where humanity lives and works in space, on moons, and on distant planets. Our mission isn't restricted to the few, instead we see a future where all people can choose to live, work, discover and explore beyond our planet. Our company is building a platform in space to benefit life on Earth and together we will alter the course of humanity.

We have a bold mission. We are a bold company. Together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Senior Director of IT Operations to lead the organization's IT infrastructure, network systems, and enterprise architecture. This senior leadership role is critical to ensuring the stability, scalability, and security of IT operations while driving innovation and aligning technology initiatives with the organization's strategic goals. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in IT operations, network engineering, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity in highly regulated environments. They will also have a proven track record of managing enterprise IT systems, leading geographically distributed teams, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. A security clearance (TS/SCI) or eligibility to obtain one is a significant advantage. This position will play a key role in shaping the organization's IT landscape to support mission-critical operations.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for IT operations, including infrastructure, network engineering, and enterprise architecture.
• Develop and execute a long-term IT strategy aligned with organizational goals to foster innovation and operational excellence.
• Collaborate on IT strategy, planning, and execution to ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Design, implement, and manage global IT infrastructure, cloud services, and network systems to ensure high availability, performance, and reliability.
• Establish and enforce standards and best practices for infrastructure, network security, and operational efficiency while designing and maintaining secure, scalable network architectures.
• Lead the design, deployment, and management of hybrid cloud environments, including public and private cloud solutions.
• Ensure robust security measures to protect cloud-based systems and data while adhering to industry standards and compliance requirements.
• Develop and implement frameworks that align IT systems with business needs and growth initiatives.
• Ensure IT operations comply with regulatory requirements, such as NIST, DFARS, ITAR, and CMMC 2.0.
• Partner with the cybersecurity team to maintain secure systems, networks, and processes.
• Lead disaster recovery, incident response, and business continuity planning.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing IT operations team.
• Stay informed of emerging technologies and industry trends in IT operations, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity.
• Drive automation, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage IT budgets to ensure cost-effective solutions and optimal resource allocation.

About You

Our mission is driven by the unwavering passion to push the boundaries of what is possible. We seek those who Dare to Dream — to envision the extraordinary and pursue it relentlessly – to join us on this transformational journey.

We're looking for dreamers who align with our values, vision and audacious goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree (Master's degree preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in IT operations and network engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven expertise in IT infrastructure, cloud technologies, enterprise architecture, and network management.
• Significant experience in highly regulated environments, such as aerospace, defense, or government sectors.
• Extensive experience with hybrid cloud environments, cloud migration strategies, and cloud security.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, geographically distributed teams in complex IT environments.
• Deep knowledge of network and infrastructure technologies, cloud computing, and enterprise architecture frameworks.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance frameworks, including NIST 800-171, DFARS, ITAR, and CMMC 2.0.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects and prioritize competing demands effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance or eligibility to obtain one is strongly preferred.
• ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
• CCNP or CCIE (Cisco Certified Network Professional/Expert)
• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Azure certifications
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)

Compensation: $156,200.00 - $214,775.00. Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.

Sierra Space offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position. We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 8%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

At Sierra Space we are at the very doorstep of unlocking the future and the work in front of us is hard, but it is truly important and meaningful. Achieving our mission requires dedication, relentless pursuit of a dream and an unwavering passion for pushing the boundaries to accomplish what others might believe to be impossible. We seek those who too, Dare to Dream and will join us in a pursuit to achieve the extraordinary.