Aviation IT Manager: Security, Cloud & Compliance

Gridiron Air; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Gridiron Air LLC in Fort Worth, TX, seeks an IT Manager to lead information technology operations across the organization, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, end-user support, and business systems in a highly regulated aviation environment.

The role combines hands-on system administration with strategic leadership, managing vendors and projects, ensuring FAA and DOD compliance, and driving security, reliability, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of progressive IT infrastructure and support experience, including at least 2 years in a management or team lead role.
• Demonstrated experience with hybrid IT environments (on-premises and cloud), Microsoft Azure, network/systems administration, endpoint management, MDM solutions, and ITSM frameworks (ITIL preferred).
• Familiarity with regulated industry IT requirements; experience in FAA, DOD, or similarly governed compliance environments strongly preferred.
• Strong communication skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders; proven vendor, contract, and project management capabilities. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Employment contingent upon successful background check, drug screening, and MVR check.

Responsibilities

• Oversee enterprise networking, Azure and Microsoft 365 services, identity and access management, endpoints, SaaS apps, and cloud-hosted infrastructure to ensure availability and security.
• Lead and support a hybrid IT support model delivering Tier 1-3 service desk coverage; define and monitor SLAs, KPIs, and change management processes.
• Enforce cybersecurity policies including endpoint protection, IAM, vulnerability remediation, and system hardening per corporate standards and aviation requirements.
• Ensure IT systems remain compliant with FAA, DOD directives, and corporate IT standards.
• Oversee MDM, device refresh cycles, and standardization of field technician and office equipment.
• Manage vendor and MSP relationships, contract negotiation, performance monitoring, and cost-effective service delivery.
• Lead IT disaster recovery, backup, and business continuity planning; coordinate risk assessments and recovery testing.
• Serve as the security and IT compliance advisor to leadership; support audits and regulatory reviews.
• Develop IT staff through coaching and mentorship to build a high-performing team.

Skills

IT leadership

Hybrid IT

Azure

MDM

ITIL

Vendor management

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT or related field

Tools

Azure

Microsoft 365

Entra ID

Intune

SharePoint Online

Jamf Pro

Fortinet

GitHub

Job description

Gridiron Air LLC in Fort Worth, TX, seeks an IT Manager to lead information technology operations across the organization, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, end-user support, and business systems in a highly regulated aviation environment.

The role combines hands-on system administration with strategic leadership, managing vendors and projects, ensuring FAA and DOD compliance, and driving security, reliability, and operational excellence.