IT Enterprise Applications Lead; W} Security Clearance

Position: IT Enterprise Applications Lead {W} with Security Clearance
ARKA Group L.P. ("ARKA") is an advanced technologies company serving the U.S. military, intelligence community, and commercial space industry delivering next-generation solutions to support the national security space enterprise. Built on more than six decades of excellence, ARKA brings modern approaches and a culture of innovation to the challenges of today. Join the ARKA team to learn how Beyond Begins Here.

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Position Overview:

We are seeking a visionary and hands-on leader to drive our Enterprise Application Services function. This role is pivotal in ensuring the reliability, scalability, and strategic alignment of our business-critical applications-including SAP, engineering tools, collaboration platforms, and integrated systems. The ideal candidate will blend deep technical expertise with strategic foresight, guiding application lifecycle management while fostering cross-functional collaboration and vendor partnerships.

We offer generous relocation benefits for eligible candidates. Responsibilities:
Application Operations & Support
* Oversee end-to-end support for business applications, including ERP (SAP), engineering tools, and collaboration platforms (e.g., M365, Teams)

* Lead incident management, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives across the application portfolio

* Ensure high availability, performance, and user satisfaction through proactive monitoring and support
Integration & Architecture
* Design and manage application integrations across enterprise systems, ensuring data integrity and seamless workflows

* Collaborate with infrastructure and security teams to maintain robust, compliant, and scalable architectures
Database & Platform Management
* Supervise database administration activities, including performance tuning, backup/recovery, and lifecycle upgrades

* Partner with platform owners to optimize cloud/on-prem hosting strategies
Strategy & Road mapping
* Develop and execute multi-year application roadmaps aligned with business and IT strategy.

* Create and manage an inventory of all enterprise applications, including SaaS systems, for support, license, and compliance efficiencies

* Lead application consolidation efforts to reduce complexity, cost, and technical debt

* Champion modernization initiatives, including upgrades, cloud migration, and process automation
Vendor & License Management
* Manage relationships with software vendors, negotiating contracts, renewals, and service levels

* Oversee license compliance, usage optimization, and cost control across the application landscape
Leadership & Collaboration
* Build and mentor a high-performing team of application analysts, engineers, and administrators, from scratch

* Serve as a strategic partner to business units, translating needs into scalable technology solutions

* Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning

Required Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in information systems, computer science or related subject or equivalent experience; master's preferred

* 5+ years of experience in enterprise applications, including ERP, collaboration tools, and application integration

* Proven leadership in managing a large application landscape, consolidation efforts, and vendor management

* Strong understanding of ERP (prefer SAP) architecture and support models

* Experience with M365 and engineering tool ecosystems (e.g., PLM, CAD platforms)

* Knowledge of database technologies (SQL Server, Oracle, etc.) and integration frameworks (e.g., APIs, middleware)

* Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and project management skills
Preferred:
* Experience in manufacturing, engineering, or regulated industries

* Familiarity with ITIL, Agile, and Dev Ops methodologies

* Working knowledge of compliance frameworks such as CMMC, NIST, or SOX, and their impact on enterprise applications

* Experience operationalizing process discipline through ITIL-aligned service delivery, change management, and audit readiness
Pay Range: $120,000 - $180,000 Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The application window will close in 40 days for this position.

Location:

Colorado Springs, CO If you like city life, but also enjoy the great outdoors, Colorado Springs is the place for you. The city rests at the base of Pikes Peak. The 14,115-foot summit is just one of dozens of area attractions, including scenic trains, museums, parks, a zoo and more. With a mild climate and plenty of sunshine, the Springs boasts some of the state's best recreation opportunities.

The city is also known for its robust high-tech and sports industries. We are home to the U.S. Air Force Academy and four military bases and with the Olympic Training Center and dozens of sports federations nearby, it's common to spot world-class athletes around town.

What We Offer:

* Comprehensive…