IT Director

Windings, Inc.

Eden Prairie, MN OR New Ulm, MN

Windings Inc. is a 100% employee-owned company where every team member shares in our success. Since becoming an ESOP in 1998, we've proudly supported critical industries like Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, and Medical. Our unique ESOP benefits can contribute 10-12% of your annual earnings to your retirement—at no cost to you—helping your savings grow through compound interest.

For over 60 years, Windings has provided critical custom motors and components for the harshest applications, including outer space, military, downhole drilling, and motor sports to name a few. 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 supporting aerospace and defense manufacturing
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...

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field

Preferred Certifications

CISSP, CGRC, CISM, or equivalent cybersecurity certification

Required Experience

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 consistent with the 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

At Windings, every role matters. Accuracy matters. Quality matters. Ownership matters.

If you want to contribute to something bigger than yourself — while building technical expertise and sharing in the company’s success — we’d love to talk.

Salary Description:

$140,000 - $170,000 annual DOQ

We are committed to providing pay ranges for all open positions. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity considerations. The listed pay range is provided in good faith and is subject to adjustments in accordance with company policies and market conditions.

This position is eligible to participate in a performance-based bonus program based on company performance goals. Bonus payouts are not guaranteed and are determined at the company's discretion.

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 of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. Specific vision ability by this job includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Other Requirements:

Because employees in this position must handle information covered by the International Trade and Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR), successful applicants will be: (1) required to verify their identity and their status as a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or person granted refugee or asylee status (or equivalent) in the U.S.; OR (2) undergo additional steps, including but not limited to licensure from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and/or the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

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, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected Veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

No Soliciting

Windings will not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to Windings job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Windings Talent Acquisition team is required before any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Windings Talent Acquisition team.

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