IT Director

The IT Director at Windings Inc. is responsible for leading the company’s technology strategy, cybersecurity program, and enterprise business systems. This role oversees IT infrastructure, compliance initiatives, and enterprise applications supporting a multi-site aerospace and defense manufacturing environment.

The IT Director will lead two major strategic initiatives: maintaining and strengthening the company’s CMMC and NIST SP 800-171 compliance posture and directing the evaluation and implementation of a next-generation ERP system. The role also drives modernization efforts including automation, data visibility, and emerging technologies that improve operational efficiency and decision-making.

This position can sit at either our office in Eden Prairie, MN or at the main plant in New Ulm, MN

What you will do…

IT Leadership & Operations

• Lead internal IT staff and managed service providers
• Oversee enterprise infrastructure including cloud services, networks, endpoints, and telecommunications
• Manage IT budgets, vendor relationships, and technology roadmaps

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Own the organization’s CMMC and NIST SP 800-171 compliance program
• Maintain security policies, system security plans (SSP), and compliance documentation
• Oversee cybersecurity architecture, vulnerability management, and incident response
• Ensure protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and adherence to ITAR/EAR requirements

ERP Strategy & Implementation

• Lead the evaluation, selection, and deployment of a new ERP platform supporting aerospace and defense manufacturing
• Coordinate ERP implementation across finance, engineering, production, and supply chain teams
• Ensure data governance, system integration, and long-term ERP optimization

Technology Innovation

• Identify opportunities to improve operations through automation, analytics, and emerging technologies
• Evaluate AI-driven tools that improve productivity and business insights

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.

Preferred Certifications

• CISSP, CGRC, CISM, or equivalent cybersecurity certification., * 7+ years of IT experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
• 3+ years leading IT teams, vendors, or managed service providers
• Direct experience implementing or maintaining NIST SP 800-171 or CMMC cybersecurity controls
• Experience leading or heavily participating in an ERP implementation in a manufacturing environment
• Experience supporting regulated industries (aerospace, defense, government contracting, or similar)

Preferred Experience

• Experience with manufacturing ERP platforms such as SYSPRO, Epicor ERP, Infor CloudSuite Industrial (Syteline).
• Experience implementing ERP across multiple manufacturing sites
• Experience managing ERP implementation partners or system integrators

Knowledge / Skills

• Strong understanding of enterprise infrastructure, cybersecurity frameworks, ERP systems, system integrations, and cloud environments.
• Strategic thinking, leadership, technical capability, good communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated skill in learning and applying new software technologies
• Demonstrated skills in coaching and performance management that align department performance consistent with the business needs, The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. Specific vision ability by this job includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus., Because employees in this position must handle information covered by the International Trade and Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR), successful applicants will be: (1) required to verify their identity and their status as a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or person granted refugee or asylee status (or equivalent) in the U.S.; OR (2) undergo additional steps, including but not limited to licensure from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and/or the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Windings Inc. is a 100% employee-owned company where every team member shares in our success. Since becoming an ESOP in 1998, we’ve proudly supported critical industries like Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, and Medical. We’re also 100% employee-owned. Our unique ESOP plan contributes to your retirement at no cost to you.

For over 60 years, Windings has provided critical custom motors and components for the harshest applications, including outer space, military, downhole drilling, and motor sports to name a few. If you like to take on the “tough stuff”, join us and be part of a forward-thinking, people-focused company driven by our purpose: “ Making our Customer’s Critical Mission Possible.”, Why Join Windings?

• 100% Employee-Owned (ESOP)
• Meaningful retirement contributions
• Work tied to high-performance, high-reliability industries
• AS9100-certified quality environment
• Stable company with 60+ years of success
• Opportunity to grow technical and business skills

At Windings, every role matters. Accuracy matters. Quality matters. Ownership matters.

If you want to contribute to something bigger than yourself - while building technical expertise and sharing in the company’s success - we’d love to talk.