Job Description
Director of Information Technology Location: Bloomfield, CT | Fully on-site
About LiquidPiston LiquidPiston is a technology-driven engineering company developing advanced rotary engines based on a new thermodynamic cycle. Our team of ~40 engineers and professionals are solving some of the most challenging problems in propulsion today.
We’re seeking a Director of IT who is both a strategic leader and a hands-on technologist. This is not a “desk-only” management role - it’s ideal for someone who enjoys being in the trenches building, maintaining, and securing systems while also setting the company’s long-term IT vision. You will be the technical authority and owner of LiquidPiston’s IT infrastructure, cybersecurity posture, and technology roadmap.
Key Responsibilities - Own and evolve LiquidPiston’s IT infrastructure - from servers to switches - ensuring high availability, performance, and security across a hybrid Windows/Linux environment.
- Design, deploy, and maintain critical systems including servers, routers, firewalls, VPNs, and cloud-based services.
- Provide hands-on support for desktops, networks, and user issues, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum productivity for a team of engineers and professionals.
- Partner with executive leadership to define IT strategy, budgets, and priorities aligned with business goals and compliance requirements.
- Implement and maintain cybersecurity frameworks, including NIST 800-171 and CMMC 2.0; lead audits and ensure continuous compliance.
- Oversee and participate in network segmentation, authentication, encryption, and access control initiatives.
- Manage and support Microsoft 365, Exchange, Active Directory, DNS, SSO, and file-sharing systems.
- Optimize engineering software performance and licensing (SolidWorks, ANSYS, MATLAB, etc.).
- Automate and streamline IT operations and deployments using scripting and configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, PowerShell, Python).
- Mentor and scale the IT function as the company grows — defining processes, selecting tools, and potentially building a small team in the future.
Required Qualifications - BS in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (MS preferred)
- 7+ years of progressive, hands-on IT infrastructure and systems management experience
- Proven ability to manage both Windows and Linux server environments
- Strong networking background - routers, switches, VLANs, VPNs, firewalls, Wi-Fi
- Solid grasp of cybersecurity principles, NIST 800-171, and CMMC 2.0 compliance
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365, Exchange, Active Directory, DNS, and SSO
- Experience with scripting and automation (e.g., Ansible, PowerShell, Python)
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to operate independently in a fast-paced environment
Preferred Qualifications - Certifications such as CCNA, CISSP, or equivalent networking/security credentials
- Experience with High-Performance Computing (HPC) or GPU-based systems
- Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, and DevOps methodologies
- Hands-on experience with MySQL or other relational databases
Benefits & Perks - Flexible PTO: We value work-life balance and encourage time to rest and recharge.
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage—you choose what works best for you.
- Equity Participation: Permanent employees receive RSUs (Restricted Stock Units).
- 401(k) Match: We offer a 401k w/100% matching up to 3% of your salary and then 50% of contributions between 3-5%
- Career Growth: Ongoing training, mentorship, and learning opportunities to accelerate your growth.
Our Culture At LiquidPiston, we embrace challenges, move fast, and celebrate curiosity. Our team thrives on collaboration, creativity, and perseverance. We understand that innovation involves risk—and we’re not afraid to fail as we move forward.
Equal Opportunity Employer LiquidPiston, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against, and receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status or disability.
All offers of employment at LiquidPiston are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening.
Job Tags
Permanent employment, Full time, Flexible hours,