Java architect Jobs in Columbus, GA

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

We're a growing startup building something big — and our infrastructure needs to grow with us. As we scale, we need a hands-on IT leader who can be both architect and operator: someone who builds systems that last, protects the company from real-world threats, and makes technology feel invisible to the people who rely on it every day.
This is not a "help desk with a fancier title" role. We're looking for someone who wants to build an IT function from the ground up and shape how technology supports the business for years to come.
As IT Manager, you'll own the full technology backbone of the company — from the servers and security stack to the tools employees touch every day. You'll work directly with leadership to make decisions that balance speed, cost, and risk, and you'll have real ownership over the roadmap, not just a ticket queue.

What You'll Do
Systems & Data
Own and support our SAP environment (or lead SAP implementation/rollout if not yet in place), including integrations with other business systems
Plan and execute data migrations with a focus on integrity, minimal downtime, and clean cutover
Evaluate, select, and manage core business systems as the company scales
Security
Design and maintain our security posture: endpoint protection, network security, access controls, and incident response
Own email security (spam/phishing defense, DMARC/DKIM/SPF, encryption, secure email gateways)
Manage domain administration, DNS, SSL/TLS certificates, and related infrastructure
Lead security awareness efforts and ensure the company follows security best practices as it grows (compliance frameworks like SOC 2 a plus)
Infrastructure & Employee Experience
Design, build, and maintain an internal, employee-facing intranet/portal for company resources, documentation, and communication
Manage user provisioning/deprovisioning, device management, and IT support for a growing team
Select and manage vendor relationships and licensing (cloud, SaaS, hardware)
Build IT policies, documentation, and processes that scale with headcount

Leadership
Serve as the go-to voice on technology strategy and risk for leadership
Set the IT roadmap and budget as the company grows, including when to bring on additional IT staff
Translate technical risk and opportunity into plain language for non-technical stakeholders

What You Bring
5+ years in IT management, systems administration, or a related technical leadership role
Hands-on experience with SAP (administration, support, or implementation)
Proven experience leading or supporting data migration projects
Strong background in IT security — network, endpoint, and email security specifically
Experience managing domains, DNS, and related web/email infrastructure
Experience building or managing an internal intranet or employee portal (SharePoint, Confluence, custom-built, or similar)
Comfort operating as a "department of one" in a startup environment — equally comfortable racking a switch and presenting a security roadmap to leadership
Strong communication skills; able to explain technical tradeoffs to non-technical decision-makers
Self-starter who documents well and builds for scale, not just for today

Nice to Have
Relevant certifications (Security+, CISSP, SAP certifications, Microsoft/Azure, etc.)
Experience in a high-growth or startup environment
Familiarity with compliance frameworks (SOC 2, HIPAA, etc.) relevant to our industry
Experience standing up IT from scratch or through a major systems migration

Why Join Us
Real ownership — you'll shape the IT function, not inherit someone else's mess
Direct access to leadership and a real say in strategic decisions
Competitive salary, benefits, and equity/growth opportunity as an early technical hire
Columbus, GA location