IT Systems Subject Matter Expert; SME​/Operations Lead Contingent

Position: 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 (Service Now), 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…