Network Operations Lead - Base Infrastructure (BIM)

Applied Research Solutions; Texas; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Solutions seeks a Network Operations Lead to drive the Base Infrastructure Modernization program across DoD installations. You will bridge PMO, MAJCOM/FLDCOM leadership, and vendor operations, leveraging a CS officer/SNCO background to ensure seamless migration to vendor-augmented services with Zero Trust and theater NOC integration.

The role emphasizes SLA management, contract alignment, and escalation for base-level wired and wireless networks, ensuring mission-critical

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Active Secret with ability to obtain Top Secret.
• Bachelor's degree or ~10 years of relevant experience.
• Strong background in network infrastructure (LAN/WAN, routing/switching).
• Experience leading network operations organizations (CFP/NCC).
• Ability to read technical orders and schematics.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary operations-focused SME to the PM.
• Guide operational integration of vendor with legacy CS activities.
• Lead the development, measurement, and evaluation of SLAs.
• Act as the primary escalation contact for Base and MAJCOM/USSF staff.
• Provide guidance on communications systems design and IT installations.
• Liaise for Base-level DISA circuit actions and boundary changes.
• Monitor transition plans from As-Is to To-Be.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in EE/CE/CS/Telecom

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

Why Work with us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support.Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.

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 vendo