IT Operations Senior Support Specialist

Akima, LLC; Vandenberg AFB (CA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Akima Systems Engineering is seeking an IT Operations Senior Support Specialist for Vandenberg AFB, California. The role involves leadership in technical support, managing end-user systems to ensure operational readiness, and compliance with DoD standards. Candidates should possess significant IT experience in a military context and specific certifications. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to improving operational performance while providing support to shareholder communities.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits

Growth opportunities

Competitive pay

Excellent retirement options

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in IT support roles in DoD/military.
• DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification required.
• Experience with cybersecurity and system hardening.

Responsibilities

• Lead Tier I and II support services across secure environments.
• Oversee lifecycle management of end-user systems.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams for integrated IT support.

Skills

IT support

Windows-based systems

Active Directory

networking concepts

cybersecurity protocols

Education

Associate's or bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field

Tools

BMC Remedy

ServiceNow

Jira

Job description

Akima Systems Engineering (ASE) is looking for an IT Operations Senior Support Specialist to work in Vandenberg SFB, California. To join our team of outstanding professionals, apply today!

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of Tier I and Tier II support services across secure environments, ensuring operational readiness and alignment with USSF mission objectives.

• Oversee the lifecycle management of end-user systems including workstations, VoIP infrastructure, mobile devices, and tactical IT assets in both garrison and field-deployed settings.

• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise in support of space domain awareness platforms, satellite command and control systems, and other mission-critical USSF technologies.

• Manage identity and access controls through Active Directory, Group Policy, and enterprise IAM systems; ensure adherence to least privilege principles and zero trust frameworks.

• Act as a primary liaison with ITSM platform stakeholders (e.g., BMC Remedy, ServiceNow, Jira) to oversee incident resolution workflows, ticket escalation procedures, and knowledge base development.

• Ensure all IT systems and operational practices comply with DoD and USSF cybersecurity policies, including STIG implementation, RMF accreditation, insider threat mitigation, and IAVA compliance.

• Coordinate across cross-functional teams—including network engineering, cybersecurity, communications, and mission systems—to deliver integrated and proactive support.

• Guide the rollout of new technologies, lead equipment modernization initiatives, and develop long-term system hardening strategies aligned with evolving mission requirements.

• Develop, maintain, and oversee technical documentation, SOPs, and process improvement initiatives to support continuity of operations and training of junior personnel.

• Support classified operations including scheduled maintenance, software patching, and contingency readiness drills; contribute to after-action reviews and continuous improvement efforts.

• Deliver Tier I and Tier II technical support across classified (SIPRNet) and unclassified (NIPRNet) environments in support of USSF missions.

• Maintain and troubleshoot end-user systems including workstations, VoIP phones, mobile devices, and tactical IT equipment across operational and administrative environments.

• Support specialized USSF systems used in space domain awareness, satellite operations, and mission control centers.

• Administer and manage user accounts, access controls, and group policies within Active Directory and other enterprise identity systems.

• Utilize ITSM platforms such as BMC Remedy, ServiceNow, KM Jira, and classified ticket system to track, document, and escalate incidents and service requests.

• Ensure all systems and actions remain in compliance with DoD and USSF cybersecurity standards, including STIGs, IAVAs, RMF, and insider threat prevention protocols.

• Coordinate closely with network, cybersecurity, comms, and mission system teams to provide seamless IT support to operational and support personnel.

• Assist with the deployment of new technologies, equipment refreshes, and system hardening initiatives aligned with USSF IT modernization goals.

• Document procedures, issue resolutions, and support strategies to build out a robust technical knowledge base for the unit.

• Participate in classified maintenance windows, patch cycles, and readiness exercises as directed by command leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in IT support roles within a DoD or military environment.
• Proficiency in supporting Windows-based systems, Microsoft 365, and enterprise applications in secure environments.
• Experience with Active Directory, DNS/DHCP, user management, and basic networking concepts.
• Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity protocols, system hardening, and RMF framework.
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification required. This ensures compliance with DoD Information Assurance workforce requirements for managing and protecting DoD IT systems. Acceptable certifications include:
• CompTIA Security+ CE
• CSA+
• GSEC (GIAC Security Essentials Certification)
• SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner)
• Other certifications recognized by the DoD as meeting IAT Level II under DoD Directive 8570.01-M

Desired Qualifications:

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field

Additional certifications:

• CompTIA Network+, Linux+, ITIL v4 Foundation, or Microsoft M365 Certifications.
• Cisco CCNA or Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate.
• Experience working directly with or supporting USSF, USAF Space Command, or space operations centers.
• Familiarity with space mission systems, space-based network architecture, or SATCOM systems.
• Exposure to classified IT operations and secure enclave environments (e.g., SIPR, JWICS, or cross-domain systems.

Job ID

2025-16655
Work Type

On-Site
Pay Range

$106,00 - $180,000
Company Description

Work Where it Matters

Akima Systems Engineering (ASE), an Akima company, is not just another federal systems support contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.

At ASE, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.

For our shareholders, ASE provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.

For our government customers, ASE delivers solutions in maritime IT, systems engineering, and integration across the Department of Defense and stands ready to help improve operational performance at a reasonable and sustainable cost.

As an ASE employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.