IT Solutions Engineer

Company Overview
Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions.

Now, we're entering a new phase of growth and are looking for an IT Solutions Engineer to modernize and consolidate our enterprise IT toolsets, ensuring scalability, compliance, and seamless integration across teams.

What You'll Do

• Partner with teams across the company to evaluate, recommend, and implement IT solutions that balance usability, cost efficiency, and compliance.
  
• Assess existing IT systems and identify opportunities to consolidate overlapping platforms (e.g., project management, file sharing, collaboration).
  
• Collaborate with engineering and information security teams to ensure IT solutions align with CMMC, ITAR, DFARS, CUI, and NIST 800-171 requirements.
  
• Establish frameworks for evaluating and managing enterprise tools, improving visibility and governance across the organization.
  
• Document system architectures, workflows, and operating procedures to support audits and future growth.
  
• Provide technical guidance on enterprise tools such as Jira, Confluence, and Slack/GovSlack, ensuring alignment with IT operations.
  
• Research emerging technologies, run proofs of concept, and recommend modern solutions to improve scalability and reduce costs.
  
• Contribute to building resilient IT systems by supporting incident response processes and designing workflows that minimize downtime and disruption.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field; or equivalent hands-on experience.
  
• 5+ years of experience in IT systems engineering or enterprise IT administration, preferably in a DoD or other highly regulated environment.
  
• Proven experience supporting or designing solutions within Microsoft 365 GCC High, including Entra ID, Intune, and SharePoint.
  
• Knowledge of federal compliance frameworks such as CMMC, NIST 800-171, DFARS, and ITAR/CUI.
  
• Strong background in networking concepts, endpoint management, and cross-platform administration (Windows, macOS, and Linux).
  
• Familiarity with modern IT governance practices, including tool evaluation, lifecycle management, and data visibility.
  
• Excellent problem-solving, documentation, and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams.

Preferred

• Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Microsoft Certifications.
• Familiarity with automation and scripting (e.g., PowerShell, Python) to streamline system management and reporting.
• Experience with tool consolidation and change management in a growing organization.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment as well as computers, keyboards, and phones, as well as IT-specific equipment such as servers, network switches, and cabling.

Work Environment

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to IT hardware such as servers, networking devices, and related peripherals, and may require occasional travel to PDW facilities, test sites, or vendor locations. This role also includes periodic travel (approximately 10-20%) to industry trade shows and conferences to demo solutions, engage with partners, and capture emerging trends in defense manufacturing. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard working hours for this position are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional after hours as operational needs demand.

ITAR Requirement

In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Compensation and Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
  
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
  
• Paid Parental Leave.
  
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
  
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.