IT Director

Overview

Windings Inc. is a 100% employee-owned company where every team member shares in our success. Since becoming an ESOP in 1998, we have supported critical industries like Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, and Medical. Our ESOP benefits can contribute 10-12% of annual earnings to retirement at no cost to you, helping savings grow through compound interest. For over 60 years, Windings has provided critical custom motors and components for applications such as space, military, downhole drilling, and motor sports. 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."

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; 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

Requirements

What you need

• 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 with business needs

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

Salary Description

• $140,000 - $170,000 annual DOQ
• Pay ranges are provided in good faith and may be adjusted based on experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity considerations
• This position is eligible to participate in a performance-based bonus program; bonus payouts are not guaranteed and are determined at the company’s discretion

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made. The role requires sitting, reaching with hands and arms, talking or hearing. Frequent use of hands and fingers; lifting up to 10 pounds routinely and up to 50 pounds occasionally; standing and walking as part of the workday. Vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Work Environment

The work environment may include exposure to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level is usually moderate, and reasonable accommodations are available to perform essential functions.

Other Requirements

Because employees in this position handle ITAR/EAR-covered information, successful applicants may be required to verify identity and status as a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, or undergo additional steps such as licensure from DDTC or BIS as applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Windings is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or protected Veteran status. We are committed to a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace.

No Soliciting

Windings will not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies. Pre-approval from the Windings Talent Acquisition team is required before any external candidate can be submitted.

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