Job Description

IT Manager

Date: Mar 31, 2026

Location:Garden Grove, CA, US

Company: GKN Aerospace Careers

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

At GKN Aerospace, we are pioneers in aerospace and defense manufacturing, dedicated to innovation, precision, and excellence. Our cutting-edge technology and commitment to quality have positioned as the worldwide leader in military aircraft canopies and commercial aircraft passenger cabin windows. Join us in shaping the future of aerospace and defense! 

Job Summary

The Senior Manager of Information Technology & Business Systems provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of IT infrastructure, enterprise applications, and business systems for a complex aerospace and defense manufacturing environment. This role ensures compliance with industry regulations, cybersecurity standards, and export control requirements while delivering innovative technology solutions that enhance production efficiency, supply chain visibility, and overall business performance. The position oversees IT projects from concept through implementation and partners with cross-functional teams to support mission-critical operations.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Define and execute IT strategy aligned with aerospace and defense manufacturing objectives, including compliance with DFARS, NIST 800-171, and ITAR requirements.
• Stay current on emerging technologies and recommend adoption to improve manufacturing processes, engineering collaboration, and secure data exchange.
• Develop annual IT plans covering ERP, MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), PLM (Product Lifecycle Management), and infrastructure to support production and quality assurance.
• Establish IT policies and governance frameworks ensuring cybersecurity, export control compliance, and adherence to corporate standards.
• Manage IT budgets and optimize technology investments for cost efficiency and scalability.

IT/IS Project Management

• Direct and manage IT projects end-to-end by defining scope, timelines, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and stakeholders to drive consensus, mitigate risks, and deliver technology initiatives on time and within budget.
• Establish project governance and reporting frameworks that track progress, manage resources, and provide transparent communication to leadership and business partners.

Network & Infrastructure Management

• Lead design, implementation, and maintenance of secure network infrastructure across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Ensure high availability and redundancy for mission-critical systems supporting production and defense programs.

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Implement and maintain cybersecurity programs aligned with CMMC, NIST, and DFARS standards.
• Protect sensitive defense-related data against unauthorized access, loss, or modification.
• Develop and enforce backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans for regulated environments.
• Conduct regular audits and vulnerability assessments to ensure compliance with government and customer requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and program management teams to identify technology needs and deliver secure, efficient solutions.
• Provide executive-level reporting on IT performance, compliance status, and strategic initiatives.
• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts for technology services and solutions within defense compliance frameworks.

Global Service Management

• Acts as the IT Business Partner for a site or site cluster, representing the IT function as a member of the Site Leadership Team.
• Supports adherence to Global and Regional IT standards, ensuring they are adopted and that IT systems are utilized to their full potential with assistance from global functions as required.
• Coordinate with IT Functional Leads to ensure appropriate service levels for infrastructure, applications, security, and the service desk.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive IT experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role within manufacturing or aerospace/defense.
• Proven experience managing ERP and integrated business systems in a regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, CMMC), and compliance requirements (DFARS, ITAR).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• US Person per ITAR regulations to comply with export compliance and site requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• Experience with ERP platforms (e.g. Infor, Deltek-Costpoint) and integration with MES/PLM systems.
• Certifications such as PMP, CISSP, CISM, or ITIL.
• Familiarity with secure collaboration tools for defense programs and classified environments.
• Experience supporting multi-site operations and government contract compliance.

Compensation Data

Salary: $130,832 - $163,540

Why Join Us:

• Work with cutting-edge technology and innovative projects.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Be part of a company shaping the future of aerospace and defense.

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN.  We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute.  It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’.  By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.​
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Nearest Major Market: Orange County
Nearest Secondary Market: Los Angeles

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