Head of IT
IT
Byron, CA, USA
USD 200k-270k / year + Equity
As we enter our next phase of growth and scale the Chaparral aircraft from flight testing into full rate production, Elroy Air is seeking a Head of IT to build and lead secure, scalable, and high-performance IT systems across the company. This role is responsible for architecting and operating our internal IT infrastructure, including corporate IT, identity and access management (physical and digital), endpoint systems, networking, and compliance frameworks required for export-controlled environments.
You will be a foundational leader and doer, working directly with engineering, security, legal, and leadership to ensure our systems are robust, compliant, and enable rapid successful execution without compromise.
This is not only a maintenance role. You will shape and build the systems that allow the company to mature and operate efficiently as we scale.
Key Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end IT corporate infrastructure: corporate IT, networking, endpoints, and SaaS
Design and implement secure and compliant environments, including access controls, data segregation, and auditability
Build and enforce identity and access management (IAM) systems with least-privilege principles
Establish secure device management (MDM), endpoint detection and response (EDR), and fleet lifecycle processes
Architect and maintain secure network infrastructure across office, lab, and production environments
Lead vendor selection and management across IT, security, and infrastructure tooling
Develop and enforce IT policies and procedures aligned with export control and security requirements
Partner with engineering to support high-performance cloud computing, lab systems, and specialized environments
Evaluate and improve monitoring, logging, and incident response capabilities for IT systems
Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery planning
Act as a key stakeholder in security audits, compliance readiness, and regulatory inspections
Own and streamline IT elements of employee onboarding / offboarding
Support the security and maintainability of the corporate website
You Will Be Successful in This Role If You
Take high ownership and accountability
Have a security-first approach without slowing down execution
Can operate in ambiguity and make high-quality decisions quickly
Use strong judgment balancing speed, cost, and risk
Are a clear communicator with both technical and non-technical teams
Have a builder mentality: you aren’t afraid to roll up your sleeves and create new systems or integrations when legacy ones aren’t working
Basic Qualifications
8+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, IT operations, or IT systems engineering
Deep experience with enterprise IT systems, networking, and cloud infrastructure (AWS/GCP/Azure)
Experience implementing and automating identity systems (Okta, Azure AD, or similar)
Strong understanding of network architecture, VPNs, firewalls, routes, and segmentation
Proven track record of integrating enterprise IT systems in a fast-paced environment
Must be eligible to work in the United States
Ability to receive and maintain access to export-controlled information (ITAR/EAR)
This role is hybrid and requires close collaboration with engineering and lab environments
Preferred Skills and Experience
Experience operating in ITAR, EAR, or other export-controlled environments
Familiarity with NIST 800-171, CMMC, or similar compliance frameworks
Background in aerospace, defense, energy, or deep tech startups
Experience supporting hardware labs, manufacturing environments, or secure facilities
Prior experience scaling IT from early-stage to growth-stage company
What We Offer
Competitive salary
Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced aerospace company
Comprehensive medical benefits
401(k) with company contribution + Roth IRA
Free daily lunch provided onsite
Flexible time-off policy
3 months of paid parental leave
Employee assistance program with 24/7 support
High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy
Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement
You’ll work with a motivated, kind, and highly skilled team
You'll help shape and define our company culture and values
You'll help build and scale a new category of aerospace / logistics technology
200000 - 270000 USD a year