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

ARES Enterprise•El Segundo, CA

About The Position

Ares Enterprise is 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. The role combines operational management with designing, evaluating, and implementing technical solutions for base-level infrastructure and end-user services. The incumbent will work with program management, government leadership, project managers, and external vendors to promote operational excellence, achieve a 99.9% uptime target, support technology lifecycle refreshes, and continuously improve services. The position leads daily communications squadron IT operations and Tier 3 service management, administers and maintains infrastructure, and supports architecture planning, quality assurance, compliance, modernization, and incident response. It also includes maintaining a seven-year IT Lifecycle Plan, supporting cloud migration, and coordinating technical installations and upgrades.

Requirements

At least 15 years of relevant IT operations and systems engineering experience.
Active Top Secret security clearance.
Advanced-level DoD 8140/DCWF qualification for Systems Administrator (451) or Network Operations Specialist (441), including all certification, education, experience, and continuous learning requirements within 45 business days of appointment.
Relevant commercial certifications corresponding to primary computing environments, such as Cisco, VMware, Microsoft Server, or RHEL.
Experience in systems administration, SAN storage, VMware server virtualization, backup and recovery solutions, and network security architectures.
Proficiency with ITIL and Project Management Institute best practices.
Leadership capability managing complex IT projects across heterogeneous client-server environments.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to author technical solutions, briefings, and SOPs.

Nice To Haves

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
VMware Certified Professional (VCP), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), or Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate certification.
Prior experience with CIPS, CVC, eMASS, eGPS, or DoD IT asset management platforms.
Hands-on experience developing or transitioning traditional on-premises architectures to cloud environments.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily communications squadron IT operations and serve as the technical lead and primary operational contact.
Manage, update, and analyze Tier 3 escalated incidents and service requests in the ServiceNow Enterprise Information Technology Service Management (EITSM) platform, meeting Service Level Objectives.
Set up, maintain, monitor, patch, and fault-isolate servers, backup power systems, SANs, voice/VTC platforms, and non-enterprise network infrastructure.
Maintain configuration management in compliance with DISA STIGs, AF/DoD cybersecurity policies, TCTOs, TCNOs, and NOTAMs.
Conduct daily morning operational checks of controlled systems and networks and provide status updates by 0900 hours.
Provide technical expertise for IT requirements analysis, site and coverage surveys, path profiles, and system design and architecture reviews.
Evaluate COTS software and hardware, conduct trade-off analyses, and deliver technical solutions and Rough Order of Magnitude estimates within required timelines.
Support cloud migration initiatives aligned with Department of Defense and Air Force CIO directives.
Develop, update semi-annually, and maintain a seven-year IT Lifecycle Plan covering refresh schedules, warranty timelines, and cost optimization opportunities.
Manage and maintain implementation plans for vendor-led technical installations, upgrades, and modernization projects.
Support and monitor quality assurance functions, including equipment evaluations, TODO, CPCP, ESD monitoring, PWS/SOW reviews, and Local Work Cards.
Tailor quality assurance functions based on AF Form 4437 formal risk assessments and maintain QA Operating Instructions and SOPs.
Administer, troubleshoot, and update internal automation utilities, database management tools, configuration frameworks, and script-based applications.
Perform advanced workstation troubleshooting, specialized hardware evaluations, and emergency incident response.
Coordinate system sanitization and remediation following a Negligent Discharge of Classified Information or network contamination.
Support lawful investigations and forensic data collection in coordination with security forces, OSI, and network operations command.