REI Systems

Operations Lead

REI Systems$110K — $130K *
US-AnywhereRemote in Sterling, VA
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in operations management and IT service delivery.
  • In-depth knowledge of FISMA and NIST security compliance frameworks.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives with multiple priorities.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Experience with operational KPIs and performance documentation.
  • CISSP or equivalent security certification preferred.
  • Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies.

Responsibilities

  • Lead daily operations for a large federal IT program ensuring quality and compliance.
  • Develop SOPs, dashboards, and reporting methodologies for operational oversight.
  • Coordinate resource planning and staffing across agile teams.
  • Manage contract compliance, SLAs, and deliverable tracking.
  • Apply FISMA and NIST frameworks to maintain IT Security Plans and documentation.
  • Lead cross-functional teams and serve as client liaison for performance metrics.
  • Implement process improvements and drive operational readiness for audits.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work schedule with flexibility in office attendance.
  • Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI operational tools.
  • Engagement in continuous improvement and operational excellence culture.
  • Professional development opportunities related to emerging technologies.
  • Involvement in federal IT environments with a focus on compliance and security.
Full Job Description
Overview

Responsibilities

Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership & Program OversightLead daily operations for a large federal IT program ensuring delivery excellence, timeliness, and contract compliance.Oversee operational workflows, governance processes, performance metrics, and reporting.Partner with Program Manager, Technical Leads, and client stakeholders to resolve issues and maintain alignment with strategic priorities.Develop and maintain SOPs, operational dashboards, weekly/monthly reporting, and KPIs.Coordinate resource planning, forecasting, and staffing alignment across agile teams and workstreams.Ensure continuity of operations, risk mitigation, and escalation management.Oversee onboarding/offboarding processes, system access requests, training plans, and compliance documentation.Introduce AI-enhanced tools for workforce planning, capacity forecasting, and real-time operational monitoring.Contract, Compliance, & GovernanceServe as the key point of contact supporting contract administration, SLAs, and deliverable tracking.Ensure operational documentation meets agency standards, audit requirements, and contractual expectations.Support financial governance: reporting, burn rate tracking, and budget alignment.Manage risk logs, action items, compliance checklists, and audit responses.Leverage AI tools to support compliance automation, audit readiness, document generation, and anomaly detection.Security Operations & Compliance RequirementsApply FISMA and NIST 800-53 frameworks to system architecture, development, evaluation, and integration.Develop and maintain IT Security Plans and security documentation.Provide vulnerability scan reports and assist in remediation tracking.Deliver POA&M updates and corrective action documentation.Review/update SSPs, Contingency Plans, user access reviews, and SoD matrices.Provide security and role-based training documentation.Support FISMA assessments, penetration test coordination, configuration management, and incident response documentation.Maintain ISAs, MOAs, ROEs, and operational security policies.Evaluate and integrate AI-based tools for security event analysis, predictive risk scoring, threat-hunting assistance, and compliance automation—consistent with federal security guidelines.Team Leadership & Stakeholder EngagementLead cross-functional teams including analysts, engineers, developers, and security specialists.Serve as primary liaison to client leadership for operational updates, issue resolution, security deliverables, and performance metrics.Lead recurring client meetings, operational reviews, and strategy sessions.Foster a culture of continuous improvement, customer service, accountability, and operational excellence.Champion responsible AI and automation adoption across teams, including training, upskilling, and process integration.Continuous Improvement & Operational StrategyIdentify operational bottlenecks and implement process improvements for efficiency and quality.Develop performance dashboards, automated reporting, and workflow optimization strategies.Drive operational readiness for audits, assessments, and program reviews.Design and promote AI-enabled operational enhancements such as predictive analytics, automated workflow triage, intelligent documentation, and improved decision support.DevSecOps, Cloud, AI, and AutomationKnowledge of CI/CD, DevSecOps, and operational automation.Understanding of Change Management processes and best practices.Experience with cloud platforms and mixed datacenter environments.Understanding of networking concepts and technologies.Drive cloud enhancements and automation initiatives.Lead efforts to identify, test, implement, and scale AI-driven capabilities to reduce cost, accelerate delivery, and increase reliability of operational processes, procedures, or assets.Collaborate with technical teams to incorporate machine learning, generative AI, and automation into operational tooling and program workflows—while ensuring compliance with federal AI governance standards.

Qualifications

10+ years of experience in operations management, program operations, IT service delivery, or federal IT environments. Deep understanding of FISMA, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-37, and federal security compliance frameworks. Ability to lead cross-functional operational initiatives and manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to present complex information to leadership. Experience managing operational KPIs, performance dashboards, and process documentation. CISSP or equivalent security certification preffered. Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments strongly preferred. Federal government experience is a plus. 

Interest in emerging AI operational tools, responsible AI principles, and automation best practices. 

Desired Competencies 

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to handle escalations calmly and effectively. Demonstrated ability to drive accountability and improve team operations. Experience with governance boards, audit readiness, and security documentation. Ability to translate technical information into clear operational guidance for leadership and stakeholders.  

Educational Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Operations Management, or related field. 

Clearance: Eligible to obtain a public trust clearance.

Location: Hybrid (2 days per week or as needed in the REI Sterling Office)

 

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About REI Systems

REI Systems is a leading provider of advanced analytics, cloud engineering, and digital services to government clients. Founded in 1989, REI Systems is headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, with offices across the United States. REI Systems provides a range of services, including software development, data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. REI Systems serves a wide range of government clients, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the Department of State, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Learn more about REI Systems
Size
600 employees
Industry
Founded
1989

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