IT & Security Manager

About OKSI

Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) designs and builds EO/IR sensor systems, autonomous platforms, and modeling and simulation technology that give warfighters a decisive edge. We're a small, fast-moving team where your work reaches the field in months, not years.

The Role

The IT & Security Manager owns OKSI's digital infrastructure and information security end to end, architecting and maintaining the systems that keep the company running while leading the strategy that keeps us CMMC-compliant and audit-ready. You'll build and lead the IT function as OKSI scales.

What You'll Do

• Architect and maintain IT infrastructure for performance, security, and scalability
• Build, train, and manage an IT team that supports the whole company and sustains CMMC compliance
• Direct OKSI's CMMC program, ensuring alignment with DFARS 7012 and NIST 800-171
• Lead internal security audits, identify gaps, and drive remediation
• Partner with every department to meet operational needs without compromising security
• Establish and enforce IT governance, cybersecurity policy, and technical standards
• Own network and systems administration, including firewalls, VLANs, and critical infrastructure
• Manage Microsoft 365, AzureAD, Intune, and company endpoints
• Maintain compliant Linux and Windows baselines aligned to NIST 800-171
• Provide strategic direction to the IT team and responsive support to end users
• Run continuous monitoring and threat detection through SIEM tooling
• Manage vendors and evaluate new technology for secure, compliant integration
• Lead companywide cybersecurity training and awareness efforts
• Serve as the Information System Security Manager (ISSM) for NIST 800-53 environments

What You'll Need

• Working knowledge of DFARS 7012, NIST 800-171, and CMMC frameworks
• Experience with Microsoft 365, AzureAD, Intune, and Fortinet technologies
• Experience administering and hardening Linux and Windows systems
• Demonstrated leadership across cross-functional, compliance-driven teams
• 5+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, or network administration

Nice to Have

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or related field
• DoD 8570.01 certification (IAT Level II or higher, e.g., Security+, CISSP)

Compensation and Benefits

• $135,000 - $165,000 annually. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint depending on qualifications and the budget allocated for this role.
• Medical, dental, vision fully paid by the employer for the employee
• Three weeks vacation
• Automatic company contribution to 401K – 5% of earned wages (no matching required)
• Educational assistance
• This role is a hybrid role located in Torrance, CA

Why OKSI?

• See your work fielded fast. Get hands-on with hardware and watch it deployed to customers within months, not years.
• Build next-generation defense technology. Our engineering work protects warfighters, reduces collateral damage, and safeguards civilians.
• Speed and Accuracy We move quickly, and you'll see your work through from concept to deployment — not just one slice of the pipeline; no process bottlenecks we move with speed and agility !
• Hybrid schedule Working at OKSI provides you with a unique opportunity to see fruition of your work while still having a real work-life balance with our hybrid schedule options.
• Professional Growth . OKSI is expanding and growing, which means faster-than-typical opportunities to advance your career.

ITAR Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

We are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and hiring process.

This employer participates in E-Verify.