Chief Information Officer (CIO)

About the Company

Our client is a vertically integrated aerospace and defense precision manufacturer with a multi-decade track record supplying mission-critical, high-tolerance machined hardware, large complex assemblies, and finished components to leading aerospace, space, and defense customers. Now backed by a global private-equity firm, the company is executing an ambitious growth and operational-excellence agenda and is investing in its people, systems, and capacity. This search is being conducted on a confidential basis. The hiring company’s identity will be shared with qualified candidates during the interview process.

Position Summary

The Chief Information Officer leads the information-technology, cybersecurity, and digital strategy for the Company. Reporting to the CEO, the CIO is accountable for a secure, resilient, and compliant technology environment that supports a defense manufacturer operating under ITAR and pursuing CMMC readiness. This executive will set IT/OT strategy, own the enterprise ERP platform, modernize infrastructure, and build a cybersecurity program aligned to NIST SP 800-171 / CMMC—directly enabling the company’s growth and value-creation agenda.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the enterprise IT and digital strategy in alignment with business objectives and the value-creation plan.
• Own cybersecurity and compliance, building and maintaining a program aligned to NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC, including ITAR/EAR data-handling controls and DFARS 252.204-7012 requirements.
• Serve as executive owner of the enterprise ERP platform and the broader application portfolio, prioritizing the roadmap and major initiatives.
• Lead infrastructure modernization across network, servers, cloud, endpoints, and manufacturing/OT systems, ensuring uptime, security, and disaster recovery.
• Establish IT governance, policies, KPIs, budgeting, and vendor / managed-service relationships.
• Partner with operations and engineering to advance digital manufacturing, data, and shop-floor connectivity initiatives.
• Build, lead, and develop the IT organization; create scalable processes and a service-oriented support model.
• Manage IT risk, audit response, and incident response; report posture and initiatives to the executive team and sponsor.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 12+ years of IT leadership, including a senior IT executive role (CIO, VP IT, or IT Director) in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience building and running a cybersecurity / compliance program (NIST 800-171, CMMC, or equivalent).
• Executive ownership of an enterprise ERP implementation or operation.
• Strong leadership, budgeting, and vendor-management capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace & defense industry experience and familiarity with ITAR/EAR and DFARS.
• Direct experience achieving or maintaining CMMC certification.
• Epicor (Kinetic) platform experience.
• Experience in a private-equity-owned or multi-site environment, including integrations.
• Relevant certifications (CISSP, CISM, PMP).

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary range of $200,000 – $250,000, commensurate with experience, plus an annual performance bonus and a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off). The posted range reflects the anticipated base pay for this role in California; actual compensation will depend on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Work Authorization & Eligibility

This position supports ITAR- and EAR-controlled programs. Applicants must be a “U.S. Person” as defined under 22 CFR §120.62 (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual). The facility is access-controlled and the role is subject to a background check and, for certain programs, eligibility for a U.S. government security clearance.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected-veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.