Network Operations Lead

At Ardent, we hire people who want more than a job — they want to serve a mission that matters. Our teams support the federal government’s most critical national security and defense priorities, helping protect the nation, strengthen resilience, and advance the technologies and capabilities that keep America secure. For veterans, cleared professionals, and purpose-driven innovators, Ardent is a place to continue serving alongside a team that understands the importance of the mission and the people behind it.

We also know top talent has choices, which is why we back our mission with benefits and flexibility that stand out: competitive pay, comprehensive health coverage, flexible PTO, federal holidays off, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, wellness stipends, and a culture that values and rewards hard work, dedication, and adaptability. If you want to build something meaningful, while enjoying the kind of flexibility and support that you need to do your best work — Ardent is where your next mission begins.

Ardent is seeking a Network Operations Lead to join our team.

This is an in person position.

Position Description:

Ardent is seeking a Network Operations Lead to support engineering functions within classified environments. This role requires expertise in managing and maintaining secure network infrastructure while ensuring reliable connectivity across systems that support sensitive and classified operations.

The Network Operations Lead will oversee network, infrastructure, and security engineering efforts related to classified systems, including environments utilizing ClassNet terminals or similar infrastructure. This individual will play a key role in ensuring compliance with security protocols, troubleshooting complex network issues, and maintaining high availability of critical systems.

We are committed to the success of our customers and providing support to defend the United States of America. Joining our highly collaborative and dynamic team, you will leverage your technical expertise and leadership skills to support mission-critical operations.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• The successful candidate for the Network Operations Lead position will provide a broad range of network and infrastructure support functions, including:

• Network Operations & Oversight:Lead network operations supporting classified systems and ensure optimal performance, reliability, and security of network infrastructure.

• Infrastructure & Engineering Support:Support and guide Infrastructure Engineers, Network Engineers, and Security/Firewall Engineers working within classified environments.

• Security & Compliance:Ensure all network operations comply with security requirements for classified systems and maintain adherence to established protocols.

• Troubleshooting & Issue Resolution:Diagnose and resolve complex network and connectivity issues across secure environments in a timely manner.

• Collaboration & Leadership:Work closely with cross-functional teams to support system integration, performance improvements, and ongoing operations.

Requirements:

• Must have an active Secret Clearance at time of award and be able to maintain clearance

• Secret clearance must be obtained prior to performing any work requiring access to classified systems

• Experience supporting classified systems (e.g., ClassNet terminals or related infrastructure)

• Strong background in network operations, infrastructure engineering, or security engineering

• Experience supporting secure network environments and classified connectivity

• Ability to troubleshoot complex network and infrastructure issues

• Strong communication and team collaboration skills

Due to the nature of the work we support, all candidates in consideration for this role must be willing to undergo the government issued background investigation process.

Ardent is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis protected by state, local, or federal law.