IT Enterprise Applications Lead {W} at ARKA Group, LP

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. Discover your next career opportunity now!

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 & Roadmapping

• 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 DevOps 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
  
  

Location: Danbury, CT

Located in beautiful Fairfield County, Danbury offers a diverse economy, wonderful parks, cultural attractions, an impressive mix of private and public educational institutions and a vibrant arts scene. Our facility is nestled among a remarkable selection of communities to call home all with varying price points to fit many different budgets. We’re close to New York City, Boston, and other major cities – great for day trips and weekend getaways. Our lovely seasons along with award-winning institutions, colleges, cultural events, and a genuine sense of community brings a diverse population to the beautiful state of Connecticut!

What We Offer

• Comprehensive medical/vision/dental insurance packages
• Company contributions to qualified HSA accounts
• 401k retirement plan with industry leading company contributions
• 3 weeks of vacation accrual per year plus time off for sick leave and unscheduled life events
• 13 paid holidays
• Upfront tuition assistance for approved degree programs
• Annual bonus program based on company and employee performance
• Company paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance
• 4 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
  
  

EHS/Environmental Requirements

This job operates in a professional office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to use hands to keyboard, communicate, listen to, and interpret instructions and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. This would require the ability to move around the campus and occasionally move/lift items weighing up to 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Applicants are invited to apply for a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential duties of the job. To apply, send a request to [email protected] or contact 203-797-5000 and press 2 for Human Resources.

ITC & Security Clearance Requirements

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Visa Restrictions

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Pre-employment Screenings

Employment with any ARKA companies in the U.S. is contingent upon satisfactory completion of several pre-employment requirements to include a credit check, background check, and drug screen.