Manager, IT Infrastructure

Position: Manager, IT Infrastructure

Location: Troy, MI

Department: Information Technology

Reports To: Director, Information Technology

Position Summary

The Manager, IT Infrastructure is a senior, hands-on technical leader responsible for the design, security, reliability, and execution of the company�s core IT infrastructure. This role has a strong emphasis on enterprise networking, cybersecurity, and high-availability compute and storage, including Microsoft Storage Spaces Direct.

The role manages and mentors infrastructure engineers while serving as the final escalation point for complex infrastructure issues. This position will work closely with the Director of IT and is expected to progressively assume full ownership of infrastructure operations through structured knowledge transfer.

This is a hands-on leadership role. The ideal candidate remains technically engaged, takes ownership during critical incidents, and is willing to work outside normal business hours when infrastructure issues require it.

Core Responsibilities

Network & Cybersecurity Leadership

• Design, implement, and support secure enterprise networks, including:
  • Cisco routing and switching
  • VLANs, redundancy, and routing
  • Firewall platforms (Palo Alto preferred)
  • VPNs and network segmentation
• Lead cybersecurity infrastructure efforts including:
  • Firewall rule design and review
  • Network segmentation and access controls
  • Secure remote access
  • Incident response and remediation
• Partner with IT leadership on security initiatives, audits, and risk mitigation.

Compute, Storage & High Availability

• Design, deploy, and support:
  • Microsoft Storage Spaces Direct (S2D)
  • Windows Server Failover Clustering
  • SQL Server High Availability (AlwaysOn Availability Groups)
  • Virtualization platforms (Hyper-V and/or VMware)
• Ensure high availability, performance, and resiliency of infrastructure platforms.
• Lead disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution.

Infrastructure Operations & Execution

• Serve as the final technical escalation point for infrastructure incidents.
• Perform deep troubleshooting and root cause analysis across network, compute, storage, and security layers.
• Lead infrastructure upgrades, migrations, and modernization initiatives.
• Remain engaged during critical incidents until systems are stable or properly handed off.

Team Leadership & Standards

• Manage and mentor infrastructure engineers (Level 2 / Level 3).
• Assign work, review designs, and ensure documentation standards are met.
• Establish and enforce standards for change management, escalation, and operational discipline.
• Ensure adherence to SLAs, security policies, and infrastructure best practices.

Vendor & Planning Support

• Coordinate with infrastructure and security vendors.
• Provide technical input for purchasing decisions.
• Assist with infrastructure budgeting and forecasting in partnership with the Director of IT.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor�s degree in Information Systems, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7�10 years of enterprise IT infrastructure experience.
• 2�4 years in a senior engineer, technical lead, or supervisory role.
• Hands-on experience with:
  • Enterprise networking (routing and switching)
  • Firewall and network security platforms
  • Microsoft Storage Spaces Direct (S2D)
  • Windows Server Failover Clustering
  • SQL Server High Availability
• Strong troubleshooting, incident response, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting infrastructure in manufacturing or plant environments.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics 365 or Dynamics AX from an infrastructure and integration perspective.
• Experience working in environments with security audits, compliance, or regulatory requirements.
• Relevant technical certifications (Microsoft, Cisco, Palo Alto, VMware).

Work Expectations

• This role requires flexibility to support after-hours, late-night, or weekend work during outages, critical incidents, or major infrastructure changes.
• The expectation is ownership until systems are stable or a clear handoff is established.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.