Network Operations Lead
Patriot, LLC is looking for a technically proficient Technical Lead to oversee complex IT operations, ensure high-quality service delivery, and provide advanced oversight for Tier 2/3 for an IT Services Center. The Network Operations Lead will serve as a subject matter expert across enterprise network infrastructure, systems engineering, cloud platforms, automation, and IT service management (ITSM), guiding a team of engineers and coordinating with program managers, security teams, and other stakeholders to meet service level agreements (SLAs) and drive service improvements.
This is a Key Personnel position and requires the ability to lead cross-functional teams of network, systems, and cloud engineers, as well as service desk personnel, in a 24x7x365 high-availability environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Responsible for maintaining, supporting, and optimizing key functional areas, particularly network infrastructure, server infrastructure, network security, telecommunications systems, and service desk.
- Provide technical guidance for directing and monitoring information systems operations.
- Responsible for managing and setting priorities for the monitoring and maintenance of network systems, including LANs, WANs, Internet, intranet, wireless, and Guest wireless.
- Plan, organize, and direct the Network Operations Team to ensure the stable operation of SBA’s network infrastructure.
- Provide advanced technical oversight for Tier 2 and Tier 3 teams, ensuring alignment with ITIL v4, ISO 20000, and CMMI SVC L3 frameworks.
- Serve as escalation point for high-complexity incidents, coordinating troubleshooting across network, cloud, and endpoint systems.
- Support Active Directory, Azure AD, Zscaler, VPN, VDI, and SD-WAN components, including access management, automation, and root cause analysis (RCA).
- Lead proactive monitoring, problem trend analysis, and preventative maintenance using tools such as SolarWinds, ServiceNow, and Microsoft security/compliance dashboards.
- Develop scripts for Active Directory, ServiceNow Integration Hub, and endpoint configuration automation.
- Coordinates and manages the routine testing and analysis of all elements of the network facilities.
- Assist with system and network design decisions including TRM updates, PKI infrastructure, load balancers, DNS/DHCP configuration, and cloud governance.
- Collaborate with the Incident Manager and Program Manager to support major incident resolution, RCA reporting, and service recovery efforts.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives including automation, self-service enablement, and ServiceNow workflow enhancements.
- Oversee configuration management updates, patch compliance, and the development of Knowledge Base Articles (KBAs).
- Conduct technical briefings, participate in PMRs, and contribute to ad hoc meetings with stakeholders.
- Provide support to end users, operations personnel, and strategic program management.
- Provide ongoing training and knowledge transfer to team members to ensure they remain current with the latest tools, technologies, and methodologies used within the IT Services Center program. Facilitate workshops, develop training materials, and mentor staff to promote continuous learning and operational excellence.
- Lead the administration of remote access and VPN technologies, including configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
- Oversee virtualization environments, including VMware and Hyper-V, ensuring high availability and disaster recovery readiness.
- Ensure compliance with federal cybersecurity standards (FISMA, NIST 800-53) and support the remediation of POA&Ms and audit findings.
- Motivate, mentor, and delegate tasks to team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
Required Qualifications:
- 8+ years of experience in enterprise IT operations, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior engineering capacity.
- Strong expertise in networking (routing, switching, VPN), Microsoft ecosystems (Active Directory, O365, SCCM), and cloud platforms (Azure, AWS).
- Demonstrated experience leading Tier 2/3 technical support teams in a 24x7x365 operations environment.
- Knowledge of ITSM tools and best practices, particularly ServiceNow including CMDB, service catalog, and KBAs.
- Hands-on experience with automation and scripting (e.g., PowerShell, ServiceNow flows, Python).
- Familiarity with federal cybersecurity standards (e.g., FISMA, NIST 800-53) and incident handling protocols.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams of network, systems, and cloud engineers and service desk personnel.
- Experience using ServiceNow ITSM, including experience developing dashboards, indicators, metrics, and reporting
- Experience in administration of remote access and VPN technologies required.
- More than six (6) years’ experience in Microsoft product build and support experience with a high availability 24x7 environment, including:
– Expert knowledge of System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) 2012 or later
– MS Server Administration / Virtualization (MCSE / MCITP preferred)
– VMware vSphere Administrator (VCP410 or higher preferred)
– Expert knowledge of virtualization using VMware/Hyper-V
– Good knowledge of Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, clustering, load balancing, anti-virus, backup procedures, group policy, and disaster recovery
– Network services experience is desired
Certifications:
- ITIL® v4 Foundation or higher (required)
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator
- CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA (required); CCNP preferred
- ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (nice to have)
- Security+ or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) (nice to have)
- VMware VCP410 or higher (preferred)
- MCSE or MCITP (preferred)
Tools & Technologies:
- ServiceNow (ITSM, CMDB, Integration Hub)
- SolarWinds, Zscaler, Asset Panda
- Microsoft InTune, SCCM/Endpoint Manager
- Active Directory, Azure AD, Office 365
- Cisco network hardware, VoIP, Load Balancers, DNS/DHCP
- Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), Windows 11, macOS
- VMware vSphere, Hyper-V, clustering, and backup solutions (CommVault, Veeam, or similar)
- Experience with patch management, configuration management, and automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Terraform) is a plus.]
MUST have Public Trust or Ability to receive Public Trust
U.S. Citizenship required
Position is METRO accessible
#ZR
Patriot, LLC is committed to a drug-free workplace. As such, the Company conducts pre-employment, reasonable cause, random and contract-mandated testing in accordance with federal and state law.
Patriot, LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected class.
To request accommodations for the application process please contact jobs@patriotllc.net or call 410-381-8015.
About Patriot LLC:
Patriot LLC (Patriot), located in Columbia, Maryland is an established, privately held government and commercial services Contractor with dedicated employees who bring relevant, responsive and adaptive solutions to our customers.
In 2014, Patriot’s CEO Anthony Russo was recognized as a Circle of Excellence Smart CEO Finalist and was profiled in the November/December issue of SmartCEO magazine. The Circle of Excellence Awards program recognizes CEOs who have succeeded in taking an aspect of their businesses to a level most companies rarely achieve.
In 2013, we received the Baltimore Business Journal’s award for being the largest veteran owned business based in the Baltimore area. In 2012, we received the 2012 Best in Columbia for our work in the areas of Computer Integrated Systems Design.
In 2011, we received the Best of Maryland Award. Today, with multiple government and commercial Programs, our Core Competencies have evolved in several key operational, technical and program support areas.
As a value-added partner, we provide our government and commercial customers with the quality assurance, performance-based and program management credentials required for a maximum Return on Investment (ROI), and sustainable strategic advantages, for both the short and long terms.
Lastly, as a “verified” Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and a Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Minority/Disadvantaged Business Entity (MBE/DBE), Patriot is committed to delivering the highest quality personnel, most innovative approaches wrapped in state-of-the-art solutions using the latest and most advanced technologies available.
As required by Executive Order 14042, government contractor employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee’s duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 24, 2021 or before beginning work if after November 24. Patriot will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required exception from this requirement.
Company website: http://www.patriotllc.net/
Company address: 9520 Berger Road Suite 212 Columbia MD 21046