Director IT Applications

For more than six decades, the skilled thinkers, makers, and doers at Frontgrade have embraced our mission to solve complex technology challenges across the U.S. and around the globe.

We're the leading provider of high reliability and radiation assured solutions for defense, space, intelligence, commercial, and civil applications, and our products are designed to perform in the harshest of environments. From human spaceflight and space exploration to missile defense, electronic warfare, and healthcare tech advancements, our talented team stays in lockstep with our customers to ensure the success of their missions.

Do you want to help shape the future? In an environment where innovation and ideas go hand-in-hand? Then come join the Frontgrade Team

  Why Work For Us

We take care of our people and provide competitive health, wealth and wellbeing benefits – from day one. You'll also discover learning and development opportunities so you can take your career to the next level – and beyond.

Other benefits include:

• Competitive Benefits: Medical (FSA + HSA), Dental, and Vision
• Immediate 401K Vesting/Matching
• Career Opportunity and Growth
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Repayment
• Generous PTO and 11 paid Holidays per year (8 regular and 3 floating)
• 8 weeks of 100% Paid Family Leave 

*Profit Sharing Plan applies to all non-Annual Incentive Plan and non-Sales Incentive Plan employees.

Overview

We are a $500M private equity-owned manufacturing company undergoing significant transformation to improve efficiency and effectiveness in serving our defense industry customers. We are seeking a hands-on Director of IT Applications to lead our corporate, ERP, and business applications.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as architect to guide design decisions and introduce new platforms and capabilities
• Lead daily operations and enhancements across 5 legacy ERP systems and corporate applications.
• Define application and data architecture to enable the introduction of AI solutions into the enterprise.
• Deliver data integration and analytics solutions (Databricks) and use APIs to reduce manual work.
• Design and deploy AI and workflow automation solutions that drive measurable business efficiency.
• Oversee project portfolio management, including intake, prioritization, resourcing, requirements, and delivery for Applications-related projects.
• Manage vendor contracts and application budgets, driving cost optimization and ROI.
• Guide process improvement across IT and business functions to streamline execution.
• Manage and transform a team of 11, retaining critical ERP expertise while upgrading skills for data and AI initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, urgency, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors Degree: Minimum ten (10) years of experience in people management. Minimum ten (10) years of experience in field. OR Masters Degree: Minimum eight (8) years of experience in people management. Minimum ten (10) years of experience in field.
• 10+ years of IT applications leadership, preferably in manufacturing.
• Proven success in ERP enhancements, data platforms, API integration, and AI/automation initiatives.
• Strong portfolio and project management skills with the ability to balance stability and transformation.
• Experience leading and transforming teams, including upgrading skills and managing transitions.
• Strong vendor and contract management skills with a focus on cost optimization.
• Private equity or transformation-driven company experience preferred.
• Able to travel 25%+ to our seven US-based sites.
• Applicable experience in lieu of a Degree may be considered.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This position requires access to technology, materials, software or hardware that is controlled by either ITAR or EAR U.S. export laws. As a condition to this job offer, in order to be employed in this position, you must be able to obtain an U.S. Government export license(s), as required by law.
• Pay Range: $154,302 - $196,563 annually. Applicable pay within the posted range may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, geographical location, job function of the position, education, and experience of the successful candidate.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

We welcome differences and celebrate new ideas. We believe the diversity of our people inspires our creativity and drives our innovation. Everyone is welcome here, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability for any part of the employment process, please email

If you have relevant skills that are not reflected in your resume, we welcome your application and encourage you to share more in an optional cover letter or to join our Talent Community Connect Portal - Connect ).

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