Network Operations Manager (NWM)

Empower AI•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Empower AI is seeking a Network Operations Manager (NWM) to lead a team of approximately 10 technicians in providing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) for mission-critical IT systems for the Department of State, Consular Affairs (CA). This role supports 10,000 users across 230 overseas posts, 29 domestic passport agencies, and multiple data centers. The NWM will be responsible for engineering development, integration, interface design analysis, infrastructure integration, and testing of software and hardware. The position involves managing the day-to-day network operations, training and staffing the application support team, and ensuring operational efficiency. Collaboration with Engineers and Product Managers is key for implementing functionality and meeting deadlines. The role requires monitoring network hardware, planning network enhancements, performing cost-benefit analyses, directing the acquisition and installation of network hardware, advising users on requirements, and troubleshooting network problems. The NWM will also instruct operations personnel on new equipment, coordinate repairs, and maintain vendor contact during problem resolution. Some supervisory duties may be required.

Requirements

BA/BS in information technology or related discipline or equivalent experience.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience supporting global network systems and subsystems; troubleshooting a wide range of LAN, Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), WAN, and network/service availability, and making recommendations for system fixes and enhancements.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience leading teams of network operations/engineering staff with skills applicable to a project environment similar in size, scope, and complexity to the requirements of this task.
Possesses a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.
Possesses a Top Secret clearance.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience with risk management and making recommendations for leveraging network installations and reducing operation costs.
Demonstrated experience operating networks supporting systems deployed in the cloud.
A minimum of three (3) years working experience supporting and troubleshooting firewall appliances and rulesets and working with firewall solutions such as Palo Alto or Stonegate devices.
Possesses an ITIL Foundations Level Certification (or higher).

Responsibilities

Responsible for the day-to-day network operations in the CA Service Center.
Responsible for the training, staffing, and operational efficiency of the application support team.
Collaborate with Engineers and Product Managers to implement functionality.
Ability to meet deadlines and satisfy requirements from other Engineers and Product Management.
Monitors network hardware operations to ensure properly set configuration options.
Plans implementation of enhancements and upgrades to the network.
Performs cost/benefit studies of network configurations and recommends enhancements.
Directs the acquisition, installation and testing of network hardware.
Advises network users of hardware requirements, configurations and limitations.
Isolates, resolves or circumvents network problems.
Instructs operations personnel on use of new equipment.
Initiates and coordinates repair of vendor-owned equipment.
Maintains contact with vendors during problem restoration and advises customer and management of restoration status.
May supervise lower-level staff if required.
Performs other related duties as assigned.