Leidos is seeking a Lead Data Center Operator to support related efforts for the Service Management, Integration, and Transport (SMIT) program, the largest IT services program for the Navy. Under SMIT, the Leidos team delivers the core backbone of the Navy-Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI), including cybersecurity services, network operations, service desk, and data transport. Ultimately, the Leidos team supports the Navy in unifying its shore-based networks and data management to improve capability and service while also saving significant dollars by focusing efforts under one enterprise network.
As a Lead Data Center Operator, you will be a key member of the NEN Lab team on the SMIT contract, working onsite at our government facility in San Diego/Point Loma, CA. You will play a critical role in supporting the engineering (planning, designing, and implementing) for the Infrastructure Services product portfolio for the NMCI. This is an exciting opportunity to leverage your technical and operational expertise in support of the Navy and Marine Corps warfighter mission. You will ensure the high availability, reliability, and efficiency of our 24x7 technology infrastructure, directly supporting innovative change and value for our Nation’s defense.
Primary Responsibilities
Rack, stack, cable, troubleshoot, install, and configure computers, peripheral devices, and software to meet operational needs in a high-availability environment.
Create, update, and close tickets in an enterprise IT Service Management (ITSM) system, ensuring accurate documentation and timely resolution of issues.
Contribute to the lab’s high availability, accessibility, and sustainability efforts, supporting continuous operations.
Perform cable management, including installation, documentation, planning, and tracking.
Manage the shipping and receiving of hardware devices, ensuring proper inventory and asset tracking.
Load basic configurations on end user devices, servers, network equipment, and storage equipment.
Assist in deploying enterprise technologies, including cloud solutions, as directed by technical SME leads.
Support asset management and configuration management activities, maintaining accurate records and -compliance.
Collaborate with technical SME leads and other team members to prioritize and execute operational tasks in a fast-paced, time-critical environment.
Facilitate and support the user support bridge, including supporting Tier 1 related “Help Desk” efforts
Basic Qualifications
High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in data center operations.
Must possess an Information Assurance Technician (IAT) Level II and/or Security+ certification (8570 IAT II Security requirement).
Must possess an OEM or Operating System certification such as CCNA Routing and Switching, Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), and/or RedHat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA).
Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience with Windows 10/11, Linux, Windows Server, and/or network devices.
Familiarity with network technology and enterprise cloud technologies.
Strong knowledge of IT fundamentals (CompTIA A+), including mobile devices, virtual systems, network hardware, and cloud-based systems.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as required for hardware installation and maintenance.
Active Secret Security Clearance required.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Radia, Tanium, SCCM, and enterprise virus scan technologies.
Prior experience supporting asset management and configuration management in a lab or data center environment.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation and inventory management.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with technical SME leads and cross-functional teams.
Experience working in a government or DoD environment, supporting mission-critical operations.
Familiarity with Layer 1-2 of the OSI model and infrastructure.
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
June 30, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range $59,150.00 - $106,925.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
Leidos is a Fortune 500® innovation company rapidly addressing the world’s most vexing challenges in national security and health. The company's global workforce of 48,000 collaborates to create smarter technology solutions for customers in heavily regulated industries. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $15.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023.
Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®.
Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos.
Your most important work is ahead, visit careers.leidos.com for our latest opportunities.
