IT Systems Subject Matter Expert (SME) / Operations Lead Contingent

Description

We are seeking an IT Systems Subject Matter Expert (SME) / Operations Lead to oversee daily IT operations and provide advanced technical leadership across heterogeneous client-server, network, and database environments. In this dual role, you will manage daily operational activities while designing, evaluating, and implementing technical solutions for base-level infrastructure and end-user services.

You will work directly with program management, government leadership, project managers, and external vendors to drive operational excellence, system availability (99.9% uptime target), lifecycle technology refreshes, and continuous service improvements.

Requirements

 Key Responsibilities 

Operational Leadership & Management 

• Oversee daily communications squadron IT operations, serving as a technical lead and primary operational contact.
• Manage, update, and analyze Tier 3 escalated incidents and service requests within the Enterprise Information Technology Service Management (EITSM) platform (ServiceNow), meeting strict Service Level Objectives (SLOs).
• Lead system setup, maintenance, monitoring, patching, and fault isolation across servers, back-up power systems, storage area networks (SANs), voice/VTC platforms, and non-enterprise network infrastructure.
• Maintain strict configuration management in compliance with DISA STIGs, AF/DoD cybersecurity policies, Time Compliance Technical Orders (TCTOs), and TCNOs/NOTAMs.
• Conduct daily morning operational checks of controlled systems/networks and deliver status updates by 0900 hours 

Technical Architecture & Planning 

• Provide technical expertise for IT requirements analysis, site surveys, coverage surveys, path profiles, and system design/architecture reviews.
• Evaluate Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software/hardware, conduct trade-off analyses, and deliver Technical Solutions and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates within required timelines.
• Support cloud migration initiatives in alignment with Department of Defense and Air Force CIO directives.
• Develop, semi-annually update, and maintain a comprehensive 7-year IT Lifecycle Plan, identifying hardware/software refresh schedules, warranty timelines, and cost optimization opportunities.
• Manage and maintain detailed Implementation Plans for vendor-led technical installs, upgrades, and modernization projects.

Quality Assurance and Compliance Monitoring 

• Support and monitor Quality Assurance (QA) program functions, including:
  
  • Equipment Evaluations: Assessing overall hardware/system maintenance quality.
  • Technical Order Distribution Officer (TODO): Managing Technical Order systems and compliance.
  • Corrosion Prevention & Control Program (CPCP): Overseeing environmental degradation safeguards.
  • Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Monitoring: Enforcing ESD shop practices and technical standards.
  • PWS / SOW Reviews: Vetting technical requirements for incoming service packages.
  • Local Work Cards (LWCs): Reviewing, validating, and coordinating submitted LWCs for preventive maintenance.
• Tailor QA functions based on formal risk assessments (AF Form 4437) and maintain QA Operating Instructions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

System and Infrastructure Administration 

• Administer, troubleshoot, and update custom internal automation utilities, database management tools, configuration frameworks, and script-based applications.
• Conduct advanced workstation troubleshooting, specialized hardware evaluations, and emergency incident response.
• Coordinate system sanitization and remediation in the event of a Negligent Discharge of Classified Information (NDCI) or network contamination.
• Support lawful investigation requests and forensic data collection in coordination with security forces, OSI, and network operations command.

Minimum Requirements 

• Experience: Minimum of 15 years of relevant IT operations and systems engineering experience.
• Security Clearance: Active Top Secret (TS) clearance.
• DoD 8140 / DCWF Role Requirement: Advanced level qualification for Systems Administrator (451) or Network Operations Specialist (441). Must meet all certification, education, experience, and continuous learning requirements within 45 business days of appointment.
• Education & Certifications: Relevant commercial certifications corresponding to primary computing environments (Cisco, VMware, Microsoft Server, or RHEL).

Preferred Requirements 

• Project Management Certification: Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification.
• Advanced Technical Certifications: VMware Certified Professional (VCP), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), or Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate.
• Specialized System Experience: Prior experience with CIPS (Cyberspace Infrastructure Planning System), CVC (CIPS Visualization Component), eMASS, eGPS, or DoD IT asset management platforms.
• Cloud & Modernization: Hands-on experience developing or transitioning traditional on-premises architectures to cloud environments.
• Extensive experience in systems administration, storage systems (SAN), server virtualization (VMware), backup/recovery solutions, and network security architectures.
  • Proficient with ITIL and Project Management Institute (PMI) best practices.
  • Proven leadership capability managing complex IT projects across heterogeneous client-server environments.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to author technical solutions, briefings, and standard operating procedures.

About Ares Enterprise 

Ares Enterprise, LLC is a Woman-Owned Small Business delivering innovative information technology solutions and professional services to Federal Government customers. Our capabilities include enterprise IT operations, cybersecurity, cloud modernization, application development, IT service management, and mission-focused technology solutions.

We seek experienced professionals who combine technical expertise, leadership, accountability, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to our government customers.

Ares Enterprise is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment in accordance with applicable employment laws.