Network Operations Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Network Operations Lead serves as a critical Subject Matter Expert (SME) driving the successful execution of the Base Infrastructure Modernization (BIM) program across Department of the Air Force (DAF) and United States Space Force (USSF) installations. In this role, you will act as the operational bridge between the Program Management Office (PMO), MAJCOM/FLDCOM leadership, and commercial vendor operations. Leveraging your extensive background as a DAF Communications Squadron (CS) Officer or Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), you will be the embedded "eyes and ears" for the PMO. Your primary mission is to ensure that the transition from legacy, military-operated networks to vendor-augmented services, including the integration of Zero Trust Architecture and theater Network Operations Centers (NOC)—occurs seamlessly and without degrading mission-critical operations. You will translate complex technical and contractual requirements between military stakeholders and commercial vendors, manage and enforce Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and serve as the primary escalation point for base-level wired and wireless network concerns. Ultimately, you will ensure that the commercial modernization effort meets the rigorous operational and cyber defense standards required for global warfighting capabilities. *Position(s) location; Hanscom AFB or geo separated at JB Hickam, Colorado Springs, Randolph AFB, McConnell AFB Why Work with us? Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support. Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers. Responsibilities include: * Serve as the primary operations-focused SME to the Project Manager (PM). Utilize your background in CS daily operations to resolve complex technical and organizational issues arising from bases, MAJCOM or USSF staff, and vendor operations.
* Guide the operational solutioning and integration of the vendor with legacy communication squadron activities, including the stand-up of theater Network Operations Centers (NOC) and Zero Trust integration.
* Lead the development, continuous measurement, reporting, and evaluation of vendor Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure commercial vendors meet contract and mission standards.
* Act as the primary operational escalation contact for Base (CS/Wing) and MAJCOM or USSF staff. Collaborate effectively with the PM, Contracting Officers (PK), and local Cyber Defense Correlation Cells (CDCC)
* Provide technical guidance and advisory support to project manager/ leads, facility planners, and stakeholders regarding communications-system design, IT-program installation, minor construction planning, and coordination with base communications systems (or equivalent).
* Serve as a liaison for Base-level DISA circuit actions and boundary changes required to support modernization and seamless vendor hand-offs.
* Monitor "As-Is" to "To-Be" transition plans, ensuring legacy mission-critical systems are successfully migrated to the modernized infrastructure.
* Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Technical experience: * Must be a U.S Citizen.
* Active Secret with ability to obtain Top Secret.
* Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in relevant field (Electrical Engineering, Computer/Network Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science or equivalent), degree can be substituted by ~10 years’ relevant experience.
* Strong background in network infrastructure: LAN/WAN, enterprise-level routing/switching, fiber/copper transmission, telephony, data/voice/video networks.
* Capability to read and interpret technical orders, blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematics, circuit diagrams, project design documents.
* Proven track record of leading network operations organizations such as the Communications Focal Point (CFP) or Network Control Center (NCC).
* Proven capability to manage friction and foster collaboration between legacy CS technicians and contracted vendor personnel during transition phases.
* Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of cross-disciplinary teams.
* Ability to interpret a Performance Work Statement (PWS) to determine if base-level technical requests are "in-scope" or "out-of-scope" for the vendor.
* DoD 8570.01-M/8140 certifications such as Network+ and Security+ ; CCNA or CISSP are desirable.
Desired Skills & Qualifications: * Strong ability to brief Squadron, Wing, or MAJCOM/FLDCOM leadership and translate technical requirements between military stakeholders and commercial vendors.
* Expertise in wired/wireless network operations, incident management, and AFCYBER orders management (NOTAMS, TCNOs, MTOs).
* Strong understanding of base requirements needed for external agencies and base support coordination, base forms, and processes.
* PMP or relevant IT project management certifications are desirable.
* ITIL v4 Foundation certification or equivalent experience in service management and ticket flow optimization (e.g., ServiceNow).
All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check. The expected annual salary range: $128k - $150k. Salary is dependent upon the role and associated responsibilities, candidate's experience, work location and qualifications to include education/training, and key skills. This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities. This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.