Director of Information Technology

Bright Machines•San Francisco, CA

3d•$190,000 - $225,000

About The Position

Bright Machines is seeking a seasoned IT leader to oversee and scale our global IT operations. In this role, you will drive the strategy, reliability, and performance of our core IT infrastructureâincluding systems administration, networking, enterprise applications, and overall IT service delivery. You will bring strong technical expertise across both on-premises and cloud environments, paired with a service-oriented mindset and a focus on operational excellence. This role is responsible for ensuring our global teams have the secure, reliable technology platforms they need to innovate and operate efficiently. As a key leader within the organization, you will manage and mentor a team of IT professionals while also coordinating with third-party partners that support our global IT services. You will work cross-functionally with engineering, finance, and supply chain teams, supporting employees across the United States, Mexico, and other international locations, both on-site and remote. Success in this role requires strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to operate independently while maintaining close alignment with your manager and global stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelorâs degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
8+ years of experience in Information Technology, including at least 3 years in a leadership role within global organizations operating across multiple locations.
Proven experience leading IT operations and delivering complex IT projects in distributed, multi-site environments.
Strong technical background across networking, systems administration, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and data backup and recovery.
Experience with enterprise technologies including Microsoft Entra ID, Office 365, Active Directory, Slack, Zoom, Atlassian, MDM solutions (e.g., Intune), and Apple Business Manager.
Experience with enterprise security tools including EDR, IDS, IPS, password management, and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) platforms.
Knowledge of network and security infrastructure such as Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, and Aruba.
Experience working with governance, risk, and compliance frameworks including ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, CCPA, and SOX.
Demonstrated automation-first mindset with a focus on scalable, efficient technology solutions.
Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to lead globally distributed teams and partner effectively with cross-functional stakeholders.
Experience developing and executing IT roadmaps aligned with business strategy.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
Fluency in English required.

Nice To Haves

Masterâs degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, ITIL) preferred but not required.
Familiarity with AI productivity tools such as OpenAI, Claude, or Cursor is a plus.
Familiarity with NetSuite ERP is preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain and support core IT infrastructure, including operating systems, security tools, servers, networks, enterprise applications, email systems, and end-user devices (laptops, desktops, and hardware).
Oversee day-to-day IT operations, including systems administration, network performance, cybersecurity, helpdesk support, and vendor management.
Ensure the reliability, security, and performance of IT systems and services across all global locations.
Manage business-critical IT tasks and lead technical projects from planning through implementation, including scope, resources, budgeting, and risk management.
Develop and execute strategic IT initiatives that align with broader business objectives.
Lead and mentor a distributed team of IT professionals across multiple global locations, supporting their development and performance.
Manage and optimize key business systems, with primary ownership of NetSuite ERP and Atlassian tools, ensuring effective configuration, integration, and day-to-day operation.
Establish and enforce IT policies, procedures, and standards to support security, regulatory compliance, and operational best practices.
Identify and mitigate technology risks by maintaining strong cybersecurity practices, disaster recovery plans, and reliable data backup processes.
Evaluate, select, and manage IT vendors and service providers, including contract negotiation and SLA oversight.
Track and maintain hardware and software inventory while researching and recommending emerging technologies to improve efficiency and scalability.
Provide technical training and support to employees, ensuring effective use of systems and tools across the organization.
Foster strong collaboration between IT and cross-functional teams to ensure technology solutions effectively support business needs.
Maintain a strong security-first mindset and help mature the organizationâs information security posture, with the potential to grow into a CISO-level leadership role as the company scales.