Network Operations Lead

Network Operations Lead

Location: Bethesda, MD (Onsite with some Hybrid flexibility)

Job Overview: LCG is seeking to direct day-to-day and strategic operations for a hybrid (on-prem + cloud) infrastructure supporting a diverse federal research community. This leader is accountable for availability, performance, security baselining, backup/restore readiness, and documentation sufficient to sustain ATO in accordance with FISMA/FIPS-199 and NIH standards. The role blends hands-on technical depth with team leadership, vendor coordination, and executive-level communication.

Key Responsibilities

Infrastructure (On-Premises & Cloud) Management

• Own the operation, maintenance, and optimization of enterprise infrastructure: network appliances, SAN/NAS, servers and VMs (Windows, Linux, macOS), and cloud workloads (IaaS/PaaS/SaaS).
• Plan and lead COOP/DR architecture, exercises, and after-action remediation; ensure RTO/RPO objectives are met.
• Standardize monitoring/alerting and capacity/performance management across data centers and cloud environments.

Configuration, Backup & Recovery

• Ensure device configurations are captured every 24 hours and stored in an NCM platform for rapid rollback and recovery.
• Oversee scheduled and ad-hoc snapshots/backup jobs (e.g., Cohesity) for network and server infrastructure; periodically validate restores.
• Maintain hardened baselines and configuration standards; enforce patching, hardening, and baselining policies across towers.

Security, Compliance & ATO Sustainment

• Keep infrastructure security controls current and aligned with FISMA, FIPS-199, NIST, NIH policies.
• Coordinate quarterly System Security Plan (SSP) refreshes and produce audit-ready artifacts/runbooks/SOPs stored in approved repositories.
• Partner with IT Security and FISMA teams to remediate findings, provide evidence, and support assessments and annual reviews.

Leadership, Planning & Reporting

• Lead and supervise cross-functional engineers/administrators; assign work, set priorities, and ensure successful task completion.
• Build and maintain project schedules (MS Project/Smartsheet) for upgrades, migrations, and DR events; manage scope/risk/cost.
• Produce technical and financial status reports; present progress, risks, and improvement recommendations to CO/COR/OIT leadership.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align roadmaps, lifecycle refreshes, and capacity plans with mission and budget.
• Support proposal and business development efforts by identifying service enhancements and efficiencies.

Requirements

• 6-13 years leading complex infrastructure operations/projects, including technical direction to multi-disciplinary teams.
• 8+ years planning, building, and supporting infrastructure with COOP/DR responsibilities.
• Bachelor's degree in IT/Computer Science or related field (or 14 years of directly relevant experience in lieu of degree).
• Active/Current PMP (required).
• Industry certifications (one or more): Cisco (CCNA/CCNP), CompTIA, Dell, AWS, Microsoft/Azure.
• Demonstrated success managing initiatives using Waterfall and/or Agile methods.
• Hands-on experience producing schedules in Microsoft Project or Smartsheet.
• Familiarity with technology product management concepts (outside-in approach, value delivery, lifecycle alignment).
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and Visio.
• Prior Federal/State government IT program experience; knowledge of CPIC processes.
• Proven strengths in strategic thinking, multi-tasking, negotiation, conflict management, time management, and executing to budget/schedule.
• Effective communicator with senior executives, contracting officials, and technical teams in a matrixed environment.

Compensation and Benefits

The projected compensation range for this position is $100,000 to $200,000 per year benchmarked in the Washington DC Metro area. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. Salary at LCG is determined by various factors, including but not limited to role, location, the combination of education/training, knowledge, skills, competencies, certifications, and work experience.

LCG offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package which includes health insurance options (medical, dental, vision), life and disability insurance, retirement plan contributions, as well as paid leave, federal holidays, professional development, and lifestyle benefits.

Devoted to Fair and Inclusive Practices

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

If you are interested in applying for employment with LCG and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department by email at hr@lcginc.com.

Securing Your Data

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