Chief Information Officer

Work Arrangement

This is an onsite position in either San Diego, CA or Tampa, FL

Job Overview

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) serves as a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for defining and executing the organization's information technology (IT) and cybersecurity strategy in alignment with DoD requirements, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. The CIO provides strategic direction for the organization's digital infrastructure, data management, secure communications, and technology innovation.

Essential Functions

• Strategic Leadership
• Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategy that supports business objectives, and compliance with federal standards (e.g., NIST, DFARS, CMMC).
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CFO and executive team on technology trends, digital transformation, and innovation opportunities.
• Lead long-term planning for systems architecture, enterprise applications, and data governance.
• Leader in AI adoption and integration into the organization's operations.
• Cybersecurity and Compliance
• Oversee the development and maintenance of a robust cybersecurity posture across the organization, ensuring protection of classified and controlled unclassified information (CUI).
• Ensure compliance with all applicable Department of Defense (DoD) cybersecurity regulations and directives.
• Partner with security, legal, and compliance teams to manage risk and effectively and efficiently respond to incidents.
• Technology Operations and Infrastructure
• Direct enterprise IT operations including network infrastructure, data centers, cloud systems, and mission-critical applications.
• Drive modernization initiatives that enhance system resiliency, interoperability, and cost effectiveness.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of ERP, PLM, and digital engineering platforms supporting production, logistics, and program management.
• Data and Digital Transformation
• Advance digital initiatives such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation to enhance decision-making and operational performance.
• Champion data integrity, governance, and accessibility to ensure reliable information supports strategic and tactical operations.
• Leadership and Organizational Development
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing IT and cybersecurity organization.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Manage technology budgets, vendor relationships, and capital planning to align resources with strategic priorities.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Collaborate with internal business units, program leaders, and government stakeholders to ensure technology capabilities meet programmatic and contractual needs.
• Represent the organization in DoD and industry technology forums to maintain alignment with emerging standards and innovations.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX's cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Strategic and operational leadership with the ability to align technology with business and mission objectives.
• Deep understanding of defense sector IT requirements, cybersecurity, and systems integration.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong financial and vendor management capabilities.

Leadership Competencies

• Directs and provides expert knowledge in the strategic function of the department.
• Develops short and long-term people and organizational strategy in alignment with AEVEX goals and direction.
• Leads with impact & influence. Establishes credibility, effectively persuades and develops others, and achieves important objectives collaboratively.
• Drives strategic change and promotes improvements within the organization.
• Identifies, recruits, and retains top-notch talent.
• Champions AEVEX's culture and empowers employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals.
• Sets performance standards and encourages employee engagement and results through delegation, continuous feedback, goal setting, and performance management.
• Maintains transparent communication. Appropriately communicates organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and appropriate email, and regular interpersonal communication.

Education / Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline required.
• Master's degree in Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or Business Administration preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive IT leadership experience, with at least 7 years in an executive or senior management role.
• Demonstrated experience in a defense, aerospace, or government-regulated environment.
• Proven success managing enterprise-level cybersecurity programs and technology modernization initiatives.
• Experience with classified information systems and relevant DoD compliance frameworks (e.g., RMF, NIST , CMMC).

Physical Requirements

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 the employee is:

Constantly required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment

Security Clearance

• Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.

About AEVEX

AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.