Network Operations Manager

Overview Empower AI is AI for government. Empower AI gives federal agency leaders the tools to elevate the potential of their workforce with a direct path for meaningful transformation. Headquartered in Reston, Va., Empower AI leverages three decades of experience solving complex challenges in Health, Defense, and Civilian missions. Our proven Empower AI Platform® provides a practical, sustainable path for clients to achieve transformation that is true to who they are, what they do, how they work, with the resources they have. The result is a government workforce that is exponentially more creative and productive. For more information, visit Empower AI is proud to be recognized as a 2024 Military Friendly Employer by Viqtory, the publisher of G.I. Jobs. This designation reflects the company’s commitment to hiring and supporting active‑duty and veteran employees. Responsibilities Overview: This effort provides Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of mission‑critical IT systems for the Department of State, Consular Affairs (CA), supporting 10,000 users across 230 overseas posts, 29 domestic passport agencies, and multiple data centers. The Network Operations Manager (NWM) shall serve as a team leader (est 10 technicians) for CA tasks involving engineering development, integration, interface design analysis, integration of infrastructure, and testing of SW and HW. 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. Qualifications Required 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. Desired 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). PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS May require occasional travel between work centers or to client sites. Some after‑hours or on‑call support may be necessary. On‑site work in a secure government or contractor facility. Must be able to work in a high‑security environment and comply with all relevant security protocols. Standing for long periods. Ambulate throughout an office. Ambulate between several buildings. Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as required. Repeatedly lift and carry weight up to 30 pounds. Travel by land or air transportation 5%. About Empower AI All hiring and promotion decisions at Empower AI are based on merit to bring the best talent available to contribute to our firm’s overall success. It is the policy of Empower AI not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. Empower AI is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. #J-18808-Ljbffr