Description

At ACE Thermal Systems, we design, engineer, manufacture, and support high-performance environmental control systems (ECS) and components for extreme temperature and operating conditions and reliable everyday use.

As your single source, dedicated supplier for bleed air systems, air conditioning systems, cabin pressure control systems, components, and more, the ACE team acts as a key extension of your team, providing intelligent innovation and proven design methodologies to deliver safe, reliable, air control technologies and systems for aircraft.

Our mission is to be the trusted source of mission critical products and services for Aerospace and Defense customers. We do this by exceeding customer expectations through innovative products and processes. We are committed to fostering a dynamic, collaborative environment that encourages professional growth and innovation.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and driven IT Manager to lead and support day-to-day business technology operations while aligning IT strategy with organizational goals. This role is responsible for overseeing IT infrastructure, systems, service delivery, and support operations, while ensuring high levels of performance, security, and customer satisfaction.

The IT Manager is a hands-on leader who mentors team members, manages vendors, and drives continuous improvement across IT services, including end-user support, infrastructure, and enterprise systems. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with strategic leadership, managing IT infrastructure, Microsoft 365 administration, Windows systems, network equipment (including switches and firewalls), and the daily operations of the IT helpdesk. The IT Manager provides technical guidance, develops policies and procedures, leads IT projects, and ensures that the IT team delivers high quality support to end users.  Key responsibilities include: 

Leadership & Team Management

• Develop, lead, and motivate a team of IT professionals, including service desk and technical staff, to deliver high-quality technical and customer support for employees
• Foster a positive team environment with strong communication, accountability, and collaboration 
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for team members 
• Establish staffing plans, schedules, and resource allocation to meet business needs 

IT Operations & Service Delivery

• Oversee daily IT operations, including service desk, desktop support, infrastructure, and systems administration 
• Ensure service levels meet or exceed defined SLAs, KPIs, and organizational expectations
• Create and enforce service-level agreements (SLAs), escalation procedures, and helpdesk workflows
• Oversee ticketing system operations, reporting, and continuous process improvement.
• Act as the final escalation point for complex technical issues and major incidents 
• Promote and enforce IT policies, procedures, and best practices 
• Monitor and improve ticket handling, incident response, and problem management processes 
• Participate in incident reviews, audits, and continuous service improvement initiatives 

Infrastructure & Systems Management

• Oversee the maintenance, performance, and reliability of cloud-based IT infrastructure, including:
• Administer and support Windows Server environments, including Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, file services, and backup/restore operations.
• Manage virtualization environments (e.g., Hyper V or VMware)
• Ensure proper system monitoring, patching, backups, and disaster recovery planning 
• Support and guide troubleshooting of desktop and enterprise system issues when needed 

Network Administration (Switches & Firewalls)

• Manage enterprise switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure.
• Configure and maintain VLANs, routing, VPNs, ACLs, and network monitoring tools.
• Implement and uphold network security best practices, firewall policies, and intrusion prevention measures.
• Troubleshoot network performance issues and plan capacity to maintain high availability.

Microsoft 365 Administration

• Administer the full Microsoft 365 environment, including Exchange Online, SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, Intune, and Security & Compliance Center.
• Manage licensing, identity synchronization (Azure AD Connect, Entra ID), conditional access, and MFA policies.
• Implement data governance, retention policies, and compliance configurations.
• Provide M365 adoption guidance and end-user support when needed.

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Implement and maintain cybersecurity controls, including endpoint protection, email security, patching, and privileged access management.
• Support compliance with frameworks such as NIST, CIS, and internal security policies.
• Conduct regular risk assessments, vulnerability scans, and remediation efforts.
• Manage backup/DR systems and business continuity planning.
• Support IT security initiatives, including access controls, patch management, and risk mitigation
• Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards 
• Assist in developing and enforcing IT governance practices 

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with third-party vendors, service providers, and technology partners 
• Coordinate with vendors to resolve technical issues and deliver solutions 
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, leadership, and business units 
• Translate business needs into technical solutions and service improvements 

IT Strategy, Planning, Vendor Management

• Identify opportunities to improve IT service delivery, efficiency, and user experience 
• Maintain and document IT processes, systems, and procedures
• Work with Signia IT to develop roadmaps and long-term IT planning
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies to improve operational efficiency and security
• Manage relationships with vendors, service providers, and procurement processes
• Coordinate with Signia IT asset management, budgeting, and lifecycle planning

Project Management

• Lead and participate in IT projects, including system implementations, upgrades, and process improvements 
• Lead IT projects from planning through execution, including upgrades, migrations, system integrations, and infrastructure expansions.
• Create documentation, including technical diagrams, SOPs, policies, and project plans.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and aligned with business goals.
• Manage priorities, timelines, and deliverables to meet project goals

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, MIS, or related field (or equivalent experience) 
• 5+ years of IT experience across support, systems, or infrastructure 
• 24 years of prior management or team leadership experience in an IT support/helpdesk environment.
• Strong understanding of IT service management principles and support environments      
• Proven ability to manage priorities, projects, and deadlines effectively 
• Hands-on technical and administration experience with: 
  • Microsoft 365 and Azure AD/Entra ID.
  • Windows Server and desktop operating systems 
  • Active Directory and user management 
  • End-user hardware, software, and peripherals
  • Group Policy
  • Enterprise management tools
• Industry Certifications in Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco, or Fortinet NSE or similar preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing switches, firewalls, and related network technologies.
• Solid understanding of cybersecurity principles and best practices.
• Experience with ticketing systems and ITIL-based service management processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Outlook)
• Ability to be on-site in Thornton, CO is required.
• Ability to travel 10% - 15% domestically is required.

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application Deadline: The position will remain open until filled.

Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) plan with company match; paid time off (including vacation and company holidays); life and disability insurance; and an employee assistance program. Employees may also be eligible for professional development support, and wellness initiatives. Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on position, location, and length of employment.

EEO Summary: We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. If you require assistance or accommodation, please contact us. 

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