Network Operations Lead - Base Infrastructure (BIM)

Applied Research Solutions; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Solutions is seeking a Network Operations Lead to serve as the SME bridging PMO, MAJCOM/USSF leadership, and commercial vendor operations. The role focuses on transitioning legacy networks to vendor-enhanced services with Zero Trust integration and ensuring mission-critical operations remain intact.

Location options include Hanscom AFB or geo-separated sites; the role demands DoD security clearances and strong experience in network engineering and program management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or ~10 years relevant experience.
• Strong network infrastructure knowledge (LAN/WAN, routing, switching).
• DoD 8570-M/8140 certifications such as Network+ and Security+; CCNA or CISSP desirable.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary SME to the PM and guide vendor integration with legacy CS activities.
• Lead SLA development, measurement, and reporting for vendor services.
• Act as escalation point for base-level network concerns and coordinate with stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/CS

Tools

Network+

Security+

CCNA

CISSP

Job description

Description The Network Operations Lead serves as a critical Subject Matter Expert (SME) driving the successful execution of the Base Infrastructure Modernization (BIM) program across Department of the Air Force (DAF) and United States Space Force (USSF) installations. In this role, you will act as the operational bridge between the Program Management Office (PMO), MAJCOM/FLDCOM leadership, and commercial vendor operations. Leveraging your extensive background as a DAF Communications Squadron (CS) Officer or Senior Non‑Commissioned Officer (SNCO), you will be the embedded "eyes and ears" for the PMO. Your primary mission is to ensure that the transition from legacy, military‑operated networks to vendor‑augmented services, including the integration of Zero Trust Architecture and theater Network Operations Centers (NOC) occurs seamlessly and without degrading mission‑critical operations. You will translate complex technical and contractual requirements between military stakeholders and commercial vendors, manage and enforce Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and serve as the primary escalation point for base‑level wired and wireless network concerns. Ultimately, you will ensure that the commercial modernization effort meets the rigorous operational and cyber defense standards required for global warfighting capabilities.

Position(s) location: Hanscom AFB or geo‑separated at JB Hickam, Colorado Springs, Randolph AFB, McConnell AFB.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as the primary operations‑focused SME to the Project Manager (PM). Utilize your background in CS daily operations to resolve complex technical and organizational issues arising from bases, MAJCOM or USSF staff, and vendor operations.
• Guide the operational solutioning and integration of the vendor with legacy communication squadron activities, including the stand‑up of theater Network Operations Centers (NOC) and Zero Trust integration.
• Lead the development, continuous measurement, reporting, and evaluation of vendor Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure commercial vendors meet contract and mission standards.
• Act as the primary operational escalation contact for Base (CS/Wing) and MAJCOM or USSF staff. Collaborate effectively with the PM, Contracting Officers (PK), and local Cyber Defense Correlation Cells (CDCC).
• Provide technical guidance and advisory support to project manager/ leads, facility planners, and stakeholders regarding communications‑system design, IT‑program installation, minor construction planning, and coordination with base communications systems (or equivalent).
• Serve as a liaison for Base‑level DISA circuit actions and boundary changes required to support modernization and seamless vendor hand‑offs.
• Monitor "As‑Is" to "To‑Be" transition plans, ensuring legacy mission‑critical systems are successfully migrated to the modernized infrastructure.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Technical experience:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Active Secret with ability to obtain Top Secret.
• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in relevant field (Electrical Engineering, Computer/Network Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science or equivalent), degree can be substituted by ~10 years' relevant experience.
• Strong background in network infrastructure: LAN/WAN, enterprise‑level routing/switching, fiber/copper transmission, telephony, data/voice/video networks.
• Capability to read and interpret technical orders, blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematics, circuit diagrams, project design documents.
• Proven track record of leading network operations organizations such as the Communications Focal Point (CFP) or Network Control Center (NCC).
• Proven capability to manage friction and foster collaboration between legacy CS technicians and contracted vendor personnel during transition phases.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of cross‑disciplinary teams.
• Ability to interpret a Performance Work Statement (PWS) to determine if base‑level technical requests are "in‑scope" or "out‑of‑scope" for the vendor.
• DoD 8570.01‑M/8140 certifications such as Network+ and Security+; CCNA or CISSP are desirable.

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong ability to brief Squadron, Wing, or MAJCOM/FLDCOM leadership and translate technical requirements between military stakeholders and commercial vendors.
• Expertise in wired/wireless network operations, incident management, and AFCYBER orders management (NOTAMS, TCNOs, MTOs).
• Strong understanding of base requirements needed for external agencies and base support coordination, base forms, and processes.
• PMP or relevant IT project management certifications are desirable.
• ITIL v4 Foundation certification or equivalent experience in service management and ticket flow optimization (e.g., ServiceNow).

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.