Sr. Director, IT Operations

About Sierra Space

Sierra Space Careers: At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond. Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space. We are mission-driven, and 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:

As the Senior Director of IT Operations, you will provide strategic direction and leadership for IT operations, including infrastructure, network engineering, and enterprise architecture. This involves developing and executing a long-term IT strategy aligned with organizational goals to foster innovation and operational excellence. As a key member of the IT senior leadership team, you will collaborate on IT strategy, planning, and execution to ensure alignment with business objectives. In overseeing the organization’s network and infrastructure, you will design, implement, and manage global IT infrastructure, cloud services, and network systems to ensure high availability, performance, and reliability. You will establish and enforce standards and best practices for infrastructure, network security, and operational efficiency while designing and maintaining secure, scalable network architectures. This includes monitoring performance and implementing emerging technologies to enhance system capabilities. You will lead the design, deployment, and management of hybrid cloud environments, including public and private cloud solutions such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Ensuring robust security measures to protect cloud-based systems and data while adhering to industry standards and compliance requirements will be a key focus, along with driving initiatives to optimize cloud usage, cost efficiency, and performance. In enterprise architecture, you will develop and implement frameworks that align IT systems with business needs and growth initiatives. By driving the adoption of modern technologies and scalable architecture, you will support innovation and operational excellence. Additionally, you will ensure IT operations comply with regulatory requirements, such as NIST, DFARS, ITAR, and CMMC 2.0, while partnering with the cybersecurity team to maintain secure systems, networks, and processes. Leadership in disaster recovery, incident response, and business continuity planning will also be critical. Building, mentoring, and leading a high-performing IT operations team will be essential to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. You will develop talent within the team to ensure future leadership and technical excellence while promoting cross-functional collaboration with other IT and business teams. Staying informed of emerging technologies and industry trends in IT operations, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity, you will drive automation, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery. Identifying and implementing innovative solutions that support the organization’s success will be a key part of your responsibilities. Finally, you will manage IT budgets to ensure cost-effective solutions and optimal resource allocation. This includes negotiating with vendors to secure competitive contracts and maintaining strong relationships with key technological partners.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission. We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and 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:

Pay Range: $184,141.00 - $253,213.75 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.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret with SCI U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Elevate Your Career

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. We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more. Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration. Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified. Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees. Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.

Key skills/competency

• Senior Director of IT Operations
• IT Infrastructure
• Network Engineering
• Enterprise Architecture
• Cloud Architecture
• Cybersecurity
• IT Strategy
• Team Leadership
• Regulatory Compliance
• Budget Management