Information Technology Operations Manager at RFA Engineering

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an experienced candidate to become an integral part of our Information Technology team. This position requires regular on-site attendance at our corporate headquarters in Eden Prairie, MN. Remote or hybrid work is not available for this role.

Information Technology Operations Manager

We are seeking an IT Operations Manager who can run day‑to‑day operations and assist in executing IT tasks while pushing strategic improvements across security, identity, endpoint, network, AI, and M365 collaboration. This role will supervise our IT Systems Manager and work with our 3^rd party IT consultant while reporting to our CIO.

What You’ll Lead

Infrastructure & Operations

• Responsible for uptime, reliability, and performance of on‑premise infrastructure (Windows Server/VMware, network, VPN, firewalls), with a strong focus on collaboration in Microsoft 365 (M365)
• Drive lifecycle management and inventory for servers, endpoints, and peripherals.
• Establish and run change, configuration, and release processes (risk assessment, back‑out plans, maintenance windows).

Cybersecurity & Risk

• Lead cyber defense operations (identity protection, MFA/Conditional Access, endpoint protection, email security, vulnerability management, phishing defense, security awareness).
• Formalize and maintain IT/Security policies, standards, and Standard Operating Procedure.
• Prepare and lead external audits and customer/insurance questionnaires (e.g., security control evidence, risk responses), coordinating with leaders and third‑party partners.

Artificial Intelligence Leadership

• Participate in development and execution of an AI strategy to drive business efficiency and innovation.
• Oversee AI infrastructure, ensuring scalable deployment of AI solutions as well as establishing governance for responsible AI use, addressing data privacy, and applying security.
• Integrate AI tools into business processes, collaborating with stakeholders to identify high-impact use cases.
• Champion adoption of AI-powered tools (including Microsoft Copilot), directing the development of training and measuring business impact.

Microsoft 365 & Collaboration

• M365 tenant (Entra ID/Azure AD, Exchange Online, Teams/SharePoint/OneDrive).

• Govern structure, provisioning, and external collaboration (guest access, extranet sites, and retention/security baselines).
• Maintain secure, least‑privilege identity & access; enforce Conditional Access and MFA.

People Leadership & Vendor Management

• Manage and mentor the IT team by setting goals and maintaining expectations.
• Lead vendor relationships, negotiate renewals; ensure service quality and value.

Core Responsibilities (Day‑to‑Day)

• Serve as escalation point for the IT Systems Manager; IT ticket management, problem/incident management, and provide clear communications to the CIO.
• Enforce/confirm patches/updates and keep firmware/OS/software plans on track.
• Keep email delivery healthy (SPF/DKIM/DMARC).
• Maintain asset & software inventories; standardize procurement, imaging, and e‑waste/decommissioning.
• Write/run clear Standard Operating Procedures and handle Change Management.

Qualifications

Required

• 8+ years in progressive IT roles with 3+ years leading teams.
• Deep Microsoft 365/Entra experience (identity, Conditional Access/MFA, Intune, Defender, SharePoint, Teams).
• Hands‑on network & security skills (VPN, firewalls, switching, segmentation, vulnerability and security measures, email security).
• Desire and drive to improve the company by providing AI tools and initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to modernize endpoint management, reduce admin rights, and harden collaboration/external sharing.
• Strong vendor management and program management skills.

Preferred

• Experience with Fortinet (FortiGate/FortiClient), Barracuda email security, NinjaOne, WithSecure, VMware, and HPE/Aruba networking.
• SQL Servers and data management for reporting and analysis.
• Experience implementing Microsoft Copilot AI or other AI tools in an enterprise setting.
• CISSP, CISM, or other cybersecurity certifications
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator or similar

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $120,000-$155,000 – Commensurate with experience

About RFA Engineering

RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.

Competitive Benefits

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
• Vision Insurance
• Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
• Company Paid Long-Term Disability
• Supplemental Short-Term Disability
• Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
• Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
• Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Bereavement Leave
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly