Director of Information Technology

Hydraulic Controls, Inc.; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee-owned (ESOP)

401(k) match

Paid time off and holidays

Life and disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

Hydraulic Controls, Inc. is seeking a Director of Information Technology to serve as the senior technology leader and head a five-person IT team supporting operations across the Western United States.

The role combines hands-on leadership with enterprise ownership: set technology strategy, strengthen cybersecurity and compliance, and drive infrastructure improvements. Travel is anticipated up to 15%, with the Modesto data center as a base for Northern California operations.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of IT experience with meaningful leadership experience.
• Broad hands-on experience across enterprise infrastructure, networks, cloud environments, cybersecurity, identity and access, and business systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute HCI's enterprise IT strategy, technology roadmap, budget, and priorities.
• Lead and develop a five-person IT team with strong service standards, accountability, and responsive support.
• Provide hands-on leadership across infrastructure, networks, cloud platforms, Microsoft 365, identity and access, endpoints, backups, disaster recovery, and related systems.
• Lead HCI's cybersecurity program and efforts to maintain and strengthen CMMC and NIST 800-171 compliance, including controls, documentation, audits, remediation, and continuous improvement.
• Own the technology relationship with HCI's TrulinX ERP and other enterprise systems, serving as a senior escalation point and leading upgrades, modernization, and major technology initiatives.
• Establish HCI's approach to the secure and effective use of artificial intelligence, advise leadership on AI opportunities and risks, and manage key technology vendors and service providers.

Skills

IT leadership

Cloud platforms

Cybersecurity

Network administration

ERP systems

Vendor management

Microsoft 365

VMware

Cisco

Education

Bachelor's degree in information technology or computer science

Tools

Microsoft 365

VMware

Cisco

Job description

Northern California | Full-Time, Exempt

Expected Starting Salary: $140,000-$165,000 | Approximately 10-15% Travel

Director of Information Technology

Hydraulic Controls, Inc. is seeking a Director of Information Technology to serve as HCI's senior technology leader and lead a five-person IT team supporting operations across the Western United States.

This is a hands-on leadership role with broad enterprise ownership. The Director will set technology strategy while remaining actively engaged in the IT environment—strengthening cybersecurity and compliance, improving infrastructure and systems, leading responsive IT operations, and identifying technology investments that support the business.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute HCI's enterprise IT strategy, technology roadmap, budget, and priorities.


• Lead and develop a five-person IT team while establishing strong service standards, accountability, and responsive support.


• Provide hands-on leadership across infrastructure, networks, cloud platforms, Microsoft 365, identity and access, endpoints, backups, disaster recovery, and related systems.


• Lead HCI's cybersecurity program and efforts to maintain and strengthen CMMC and NIST 800-171 compliance, including controls, documentation, audits, remediation, and continuous improvement.


• Own the technology relationship with HCI's TrulinX ERP and other enterprise systems, serving as a senior escalation point and leading upgrades, modernization, and major technology initiatives.


• Establish HCI's approach to the secure and effective use of artificial intelligence, advise leadership on AI opportunities and risks, and manage key technology vendors and service providers.

What You Bring

• 7+ years of progressive IT experience, including meaningful experience leading IT teams, functions, or major technology initiatives.


• Broad hands-on experience across enterprise infrastructure, networks, cloud environments, cybersecurity, identity and access, end-user technology, and business systems.


• Experience leading CMMC, NIST 800-171, or comparable cybersecurity and compliance programs; direct CMMC/NIST experience is strongly preferred.


• Experience managing technical employees, vendors, consultants, and MSPs.


• Experience owning or supporting an ERP or other mission‑critical enterprise system. TrulinX experience is helpful but not required.


• Strong business judgment, project leadership, communication skills, and ability to translate technical issues into practical business recommendations.


• A bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or equivalent relevant experience is expected. Relevant cybersecurity, Microsoft, VMware, Cisco, or CMMC-related certifications are valued but not required.

Location and Travel

This position is based in Northern California, with regular travel to HCI's Modesto data center required. Travel is expected to average approximately 10-15%, including roughly one branch visit per month and occasional conferences or vendor meetings.

Why Join HCI?

We are a 100% employee-owned fluid power distributor and systems provider serving customers throughout the Western United States. For 60 years, HCI has built its reputation through technical expertise, ethical business practices, responsive service, and practical problem-solving.

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 4.5% 401(k) match; ESOP eligibility; paid time off and holidays; employer-paid life and disability insurance; and an Employee Assistance Program.

Hydraulic Controls, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable law.