Systems Operations & Application Support Specialist

PCI Professional Services•Hyattsville, MD

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Systems Operations & Application Support Specialist provides advanced technical leadership and hands-on support across Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Collaborating Center for Questionnaire Design and Evaluation Research (CCQDER) systems, applications, and research data environments. This role is responsible not only for maintaining and optimizing existing infrastructure, but also for proactively identifying opportunities to enhance system performance, modernize legacy environments, and improve data workflows in alignment with CCQDER’s evolving mission. The position requires a forward-thinking technical professional who can assess current-state environments, recommend practical technical solutions, and execute approved enhancements within a secure, highly regulated federal research setting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
5+ years of hands-on IT systems, infrastructure, or application support experience
Demonstrated ability to both operate and improve technical environments (operations + enhancement mindset)
Experience administering networks, servers, and secure systems environments
Proven ability to analyze system performance and recommend improvements
Experience supporting or interacting with secure, regulated environments (federal or equivalent)
Ability to execute technical changes following structured governance and approval processes
Eligible for federal background investigation (Public Trust or higher)
Must comply with CDC/NCHS confidentiality, security, and training requirements

Nice To Haves

Prior experience supporting CDC, NCHS, or federal health/research environments
Experience with video/audio systems, transcription tools, or research data platforms
Familiarity with legacy system modernization and migration to COTS solutions
Experience supporting secure LAN environments with large data repositories
Security+ or similar certification

Responsibilities

Administer and maintain CCQDER network, servers, storage systems, desktops, and specialized video/audio research environments
Install, configure, and upgrade hardware and software across systems and applications
Provide end-to-end troubleshooting and performance tuning to ensure system reliability and efficiency
Manage system monitoring, backup, recovery, and disaster recovery processes
Coordinate closely with CDC OCIO and enterprise IT teams to ensure alignment with agency infrastructure and standards
Assess current system architecture, infrastructure, and application environments to identify risks, inefficiencies, and modernization opportunities
Develop and present practical, implementable recommendations for system improvements, upgrades, and technology adoption (e.g., storage optimization, system performance, application evolution)
Support transition from legacy systems to modern COTS and cloud-based solutions, including data migration and integration activities
Participate in SDLC-related activities and provide input on architecture, design alternatives, and emerging technologies
Execute approved enhancements, ensuring solutions align with CDC security, compliance, and operational requirements
Maintain and support CCQDER lab systems and applications, including troubleshooting, documentation, and user support
Support deployment, configuration, and optimization of research tools and applications (e.g., video capture systems, transcription platforms, survey tools)
Collaborate with CCQDER staff to ensure systems effectively support data collection, analysis, and research workflows
Manage secure storage, cataloging, and lifecycle of video/audio recordings and related metadata
Oversee transcription workflows and ensure proper storage and handling in compliance with federal confidentiality requirements
Execute data retention, archival, and destruction processes in accordance with CDC policies
Support system security operations, including security checks, configuration compliance, and coordination with CDC cybersecurity stakeholders
Provide technical input to System Assessment & Authorization (SA&A) processes and support maintenance of Authority to Operate (ATO)
Ensure all systems and processes align with CDC, NCHS, and federal requirements (e.g., FISMA, NIST, CIPSEA)
Work closely with CCQDER leadership, technical staff, and federal stakeholders to support mission-critical operations
Translate technical issues and recommendations into clear, actionable communication for non-technical stakeholders
Provide responsive, solution-oriented support in a fast-paced, research-driven environment