Senior Manager, Classified Networks Administration

**Why Castelion, Why Now** Castelion is moving incredibly fast to develop and deliver advanced defense systems at a time when execution matters more than ever. We believe focus and technical excellence are decisive advantages - and we are building a team that can deliver real capability, not just concepts. This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage, where your work will directly shape critical systems, influence major technical decisions, and have immediate, real-world impact. **Senior Manager, Classified Networks Administration** Build, scale, and lead enterprise classified IT infrastructure across multiple secure facilities. Own strategy, architecture, deployment, and operations of classified network environments supporting mission-critical defense programs. Partner closely with Engineering, Cybersecurity, Facilities, Security, and Program Management to deliver compliant, resilient infrastructure in a fast-paced defense startup. **Key Responsibilities** - Define and execute enterprise classified network strategy across multiple sites, labs, and manufacturing facilities. - Design, implement, and operate infrastructure supporting Secret, Top Secret, SCI, and SAP environments. - Oversee networking, compute, virtualization, storage, identity management, monitoring, and disaster recovery. - Ensure compliance with RMF, NIST 800-53, ICD 503, DISA STIGs, and Zero Trust principles; support ATOs and government accreditation activities. - Drive infrastructure modernization through automation, Infrastructure as Code, and DevSecOps practices. - Partner with engineering, program management, and executive leadership to align technology delivery with business growth. - Manage infrastructure budgets, vendor relationships, and multi-year technology roadmaps. - Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing technical talent across multiple locations. - Support new facility stand-ups, classified program starts, and proposal activities. **Required Qualifications** - Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or related field. - 10+ years designing and operating enterprise infrastructure in classified environments. - 5+ years leading technical teams across multiple sites. - Experience in a defense contractor or government environment. - Strong working knowledge of NIST SP 800-53, RMF, DoD cybersecurity policy, Windows Server/AD, Linux, VMware, Cisco networking, and enterprise storage. - Demonstrated success building and scaling IT organizations in high-growth settings. - Active Top Secret clearance; SCI eligibility required (CI Poly preferred). U.S. citizenship required. **Preferred Qualifications** - SAP and SCI environment experience. - SCIF or classified facility stand-up experience. - Automation proficiency: PowerShell, Python, Terraform, or Ansible. - Familiarity with Azure Government, AWS GovCloud, or hybrid classified cloud environments. - Certifications: CISSP, CCNP/CCIE, VMware VCP, Azure Administrator, or equivalent. **What You'll Accomplish in Year One** - Establish scalable classified network infrastructure supporting multiple DoD programs. - Achieve or maintain ATOs for critical classified systems. - Build and develop a high-performing classified IT team. - Develop repeatable operational processes that support rapid company growth. **Additional Requirements:** - Ability to put in extended hours, including evenings and weekends, when required to meet aggressive timelines - This role is based in Torrance, CA and requires full-time onsite presence **Other Duties** *Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing* *of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties,* *responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.* **Benefits And Perks** All full-time employees are granted meaningful long-term equity, sharing in the company's significant growth trajectory. We offer four (4) weeks of paid time of…