Data Center Lead

Overview

FWI is building a team to administer, maintain, secure, and accredit the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) Academic Network, which provides the IT environment for 100% of DLIFLC teaching and instruction for all students, staff, faculty, and guests. This position will serve as the Government's senior data center authority, bridging server operations, storage management, identity management, and business continuity planning to maintain 24/7 datacenter availability. The Data Center Lead will oversee proper configuration of domain servers, SAN, and backup systems, lead disaster recovery operations, manage hybrid cloud/on-premises environments, and ensure the military language training community receives reliable, always-available data center services that support their continuous educational mission.

FWI has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Washington Post in 2024 and 2025, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment. 

**Position is contingent upon contract award**

Work Schedule and Location:

On-Site: This full-time on-site position will work Monday through Friday,7:45am to 4:45pm at Presidio of Monterey in Monterey, CA.

Responsibilities

• Lead Data Center Operations including servers, SAN, backup systems, and identity management
• Ensure datacenter operates 24x7 with DoD-directed updates and security patches
• Perform datacenter contingency operations, disaster recovery, and business continuity
• Maintain datacenter availability of 97% with 97% accessibility rate
• Provide on-call/after-hours support to restore functionality during unplanned outages
• Develop and maintain Datacenter Incident Response Plan and Standard Operating Procedures
• Assess customer needs and implement improved configurations
• Oversee VMware vSphere platform and cloud services (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud)
• May be required to travel (CONUS/OCONUS)

Qualifications

Required: 

• BA/BS from accredited college/university with minimum 5 years experience OR 9+ years of progressive experience serving as a data center system administrator
• Requires one of the following certifications: CCNA Security, CySA+, GICSP, GSEC, Security+ CE, or SSCP
• Vendor Specific CE/OS Certification
• Experience leading a team
• Experience maintaining a high availability datacenter
• Experience with Amazon, Microsoft, or Google cloud services
• Experience with VMware vSphere platform
• Extensive experience in both application development/sustainment and operational support for large, highly scalable applications
• Secret level security clearance

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. 

Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

Pay Range

Negotiable