IT Manager

The posting, as Kraken Kinetics wrote it

ABOUT KRAKEN KINETICS

Kraken Kinetics designs and manufactures advanced kinetic solutions that enable modern warfighting capabilities for the United States Armed Forces and its allies. We specialize in mission-tailored warheads and firing systems for unmanned and autonomous weapon platforms, delivering production-ready solutions at speed to address urgent national security challenges.

Our team brings decades of specialized Department of War experience across the full lifecycle of kinetic system development—from concept and design through testing, manufacturing, and operational deployment. Built on a foundation of work that helped lead the DoW into the era of kinetic drones, Kraken Kinetics combines commercial agility with deep technical expertise to deliver DEFINITIVE LETHALITY™ when it matters most.

Position Summary

We are seeking an IT Manager to lead Kraken Kinetics' IT function: setting the policies, procedures, priorities, and plans that our IT team works from, and making sure IT supports where the business is headed.

Kraken is a rapidly growing defense manufacturer working in a Microsoft 365 GCC High environment. We're looking for an experienced technical professional to lay the groundwork and help shape the documented IT policies, standards, and clear decision-making structure that enable our company to operate efficiently in a compliant environment. You will design the IT operating model, own the IT roadmap and budget, and lead a team of two: a Systems Administrator who owns infrastructure and systems, and an IT Support Specialist who owns Tier 1–2 support.

This is a leadership and governance role, not a hands-on administration role. Day-to-day infrastructure work sits with the Systems Administrator, front-line support sits with the IT Support Specialist, and cybersecurity strategy and CMMC/NIST compliance sit with the Cybersecurity & Compliance Manager and Analyst. The IT Manager makes sure all of that work is prioritized, documented, and moving in one direction.

Key Responsibilities

IT Governance, Policies & Procedures

• Develop, document, and maintain Kraken's foundational IT policies, including acceptable use, access control, account provisioning and deprovisioning, password and MFA standards, device management, data backup and retention, change management, incident response, and other security-related policies in coordination with the Cybersecurity & Compliance Manager.
• Own the library of IT standard operating procedures (SOPs), assigning the Systems Administrator and IT Support Specialist to draft procedures for their areas and approving the final versions.
• Define the IT service model: support tiers, escalation paths, ticket priorities, and service level targets.
• Establish an approval process for IT purchases, new software, system changes, and policy exceptions.
• Review and update policies at least annually, or as the business, contracts, or regulatory requirements change.

IT Strategy & Planning

• Bu

[…]
to explain technical topics to leadership and non-technical employees.

• U.S. citizenship may be required to access certain systems and data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft 365 GCC or GCC High.
• Prior experience in a defense, aerospace, or defense industrial base (DIB) environment.
• Familiarity with NIST SP 800-171, CMMC, or ITAR requirements and how they translate into IT policy.
• Experience leading an ERP, MRP, or IMS selection or implementation.
• Certifications such as ITIL Foundation, PMP, CompTIA Security+, or Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert.
• Experience building an IT function at a small or growing company.
• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Benefits included

• Generous PTO policy
• Comprehensive medical coverage (80% company-paid for employee + dependents).
• Vision & dental (100% company-paid)
• Short and long-term disability coverage (100% company-paid)
• Generous 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-paid life insurance
• Great teammates and well stocked snacks

LIFE IN MOORE COUNTY, NC (PINEHURST AREA)

Kraken Kinetics is based in Moore County, North Carolina, home to Pinehurst, a nationally recognized destination offering an exceptional quality of life.

Employees benefit from a low cost of living, minimal congestion, and a strong sense of community, with easy access to larger metropolitan areas, including Raleigh-Durham.

Whether you're looking to accelerate your career or put down long-term roots, the Pinehurst area offers a compelling alternative to traditional tech and defense hubs.

We are committed to supporting relocation for the right candidates.

Watch what it’s like to live here

[ Video Link] https://youtu.be/gXuJhhVhcn8

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Kraken Kinetics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applicants of all backgrounds.