Sr. Director, IT Operations

Sierra Space•Louisville, CO

11d

About The Position

Sierra Space is 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree.
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.
U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
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)

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.
Oversee the organization’s network and infrastructure, designing, implementing, and managing 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.
Design and maintain secure, scalable network architectures, monitoring performance and implementing emerging technologies to enhance system capabilities.
Lead the design, deployment, and management of hybrid cloud environments, including public and private cloud solutions such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
Ensure robust security measures to protect cloud-based systems and data while adhering to industry standards and compliance requirements.
Drive initiatives to optimize cloud usage, cost efficiency, and performance.
Develop and implement enterprise architecture frameworks that align IT systems with business needs and growth initiatives.
Drive the adoption of modern technologies and scalable architecture to support innovation and operational excellence.
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 in disaster recovery, incident response, and business continuity planning.
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing IT operations team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Develop talent within the team to ensure future leadership and technical excellence.
Promote cross-functional collaboration with other IT and business teams.
Stay informed of emerging technologies and industry trends in IT operations, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity.
Drive automation, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
Identify and implement innovative solutions that support the organization’s success.
Manage IT budgets to ensure cost-effective solutions and optimal resource allocation.
Negotiate with vendors to secure competitive contracts and maintain strong relationships with key technological partners.