IT Director

Job Details: Job Location: LightPath Technologies - Orlando, FL, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: 4 Year Degree, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Travel Percentage: Negligible, Job Shift: First Shift, Job Category: Information Technology, LightPath Technologies, Inc. is a leading global provider of precision optics and photonics solutions, serving defense, aerospace, medical, and industrial markets. With decades of expertise and a strong culture of innovation, LightPath designs and manufactures advanced optical components and systems that power some of the world’s most demanding applications. We offer a collaborative, technology-driven environment, opportunities to work on cutting-edge programs, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports our employees’ health, growth, and work-life balance.

LightPath Technologies is seeking an experienced and operationally focused Director of Information Technology to lead the company’s day-to-day IT operations, infrastructure, support services, cybersecurity operations, and technology execution initiatives across multiple business locations.

This role is responsible for ensuring the stability, security, scalability, and operational effectiveness of the company's IT environment while leading internal IT personnel and coordinating with external managed service providers and technology partners. The Director of IT is a hands-on leadership role responsible for translating business needs into reliable operational technology solutions while supporting the organization’s broader cybersecurity, compliance, and business continuity objectives. This 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 and cloud services
Endpoint management systems
Network infrastructure
Voice and communication systems
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
Access control management

Ensure operational adherence to

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Identity and access management standards
Endpoint compliance requirements
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
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
Asset lifecycle forecasting
Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost optimization

Qualifications: Required

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

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

Experience with environments supporting manufacturing, engineering, or regulated industries is strongly preferred.

Security & Compliance Awareness

Working knowledge of

CMMC 2.0

NIST Cybersecurity Framework

NIST SP 800-171

ITAR

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 (preferred but not required)
Azure certifications