> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4513732-data-center-network-group-lead-eit](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4513732-data-center-network-group-lead-eit). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Data Center & Network - Group Lead, EIT

- **Company:** National Radio Astronomy Observatory
- **Location:** Albuquerque, NM, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $123,800 - $153,000
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Computer Networks, Data Centers, Monitoring of Systems, Integrated Development Environments, Internetworking, Network Security, Routing, Network Service, Network Administration, Wide Area Networks, Computer Network Operations, Performance Monitor, Tools for Reporting, Cisco
- **Published:** November 1, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=a3b28a9c00cc641e

## About the Role

* a bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience
 * a minimum seven years of progressively responsible infrastructure experience
 * a minimum of three years of supervisory experience managing technical teams
 * experience supporting enterprise network and/or data center environments
 * experience developing operational standards, service metrics, and reporting frameworks

Technical Knowledge:

 * Network Operations
 * Data Center Operations
 * Infrastructure Management
 * IT Service Management (ITSM)
 * Incident Management
 * Problem Management
 * Change Management
 * Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
 * Capacity Planning
 * Service Delivery Management
 * Operational Metrics and KPIs
 * Budget Planning and Financial Management
 * Vendor and Contract Management
 * Infrastructure Monitoring Platforms

While not required you may have:

 * Experience supporting geographically distributed organizations.
 * Experience developing operational maturity programs and governance frameworks.
 * Experience within scientific, research, government, or higher education environments.
 * Experience leading standardization and continuous improvement initiatives.

Certifications

 * ITIL Foundation or ITIL Managing Professional
 * Project Management Professional (PMP)
 * Cisco CCNP or CCIE
 * Certified Data Center Professional (CDCP), * Leadership
 * Operational Excellence
 * Strategic Thinking
 * Communication
 * Collaboration
 * Problem Solving
 * Accountability
 * Continuous Improvement

Additional Requirement
Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor new H-1B Visas for this position.

## Description

The NRAO Enterprise Infrastructure Technology (EIT) is seeking a Group Lead/Manager for their Network & Data Center Services to join the team. The manager is responsible for the leadership, management, operational performance, and strategic development of enterprise Network Services and Data Center Services. This position provides direct supervision of technical staff while establishing standards, procedures, service-level objectives, and performance metrics that ensure reliable, secure, and efficient delivery of infrastructure services across all organizational locations. The Manager is accountable for operational excellence, team performance, budget planning, resource allocation, service reliability, operational governance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The position is based preferably at the NRAO headquarters in Charlottesville, Virginia or Albuquerque, NM.

What You Will be Doing:

 * Directly supervise Network Services and Data Center personnel, including performance management, coaching, and professional development.
 * Establish operational goals, service-level objectives, and team performance expectations.
 * Develop, maintain, and enforce SOPs for network and data center operations.
 * Standardize operational practices and documentation across organizational locations.
 * Oversee plans to re-architect network services.
 * Oversee enterprise network operations including routing, switching, wireless, WAN, internet connectivity, and network security infrastructure.
 * Oversee data center operations including facilities coordination, rack management, power, cooling, capacity planning, and infrastructure lifecycle management.
 * Develop and maintain service metrics, KPIs, dashboards, and performance reporting frameworks.
 * Conduct monthly and quarterly service reviews and present results to leadership.
 * Coordinate incident, problem, and change management activities.
 * Develop annual operating budgets and participate in capital planning.
 * Manage vendor relationships and contracts.
 * Drive operational maturity and continuous improvement initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Provides direct supervision of Network Engineers, Network Administrators, Data Center Technicians, Data Center Engineers, contractors, and related technical personnel.
Work Environment
Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment. There may be periodic visits to network and data center facilities. Occasional travel between organizational locations may be required. Participation in major incident reviews and maintenance activities may occur outside normal hours.