Operations Manager - DevOps

COMPANY OVERVIEW

XCEL Engineering, Inc. is an award-winning small business that provides trusted information technology, engineering, consulting and project management solutions and services to federal agencies and organizations. Originally founded in 1971 by professional engineers at the University of Tennessee, XCEL was acquired in 2003 by U.S. Army and Navy veterans and in 2023 became a MartinFed company.

XCEL Engineering is a part of IT Lab Partners (ITLP) which was created to support a leading research facility in the East Tennessee region in recruiting the best and the brightest technical talent. Considering joining our impressive team today!

JOB OVERVIEW

XCEL Engineering is seeking a qualified applicant for a Technical Operations Manager role. The TOM will serve as a key contributor to the success of project research initiatives by managing and advancing technical operations at a project level. This role involves close collaboration with the project's Principal Investigator (PI), oversight of DevOps Engineering work being performed, ensure Software Quality Assurance (SQA) is performed, and ensure technical solutions are being provided on time and in budget. The ideal candidate will bring technical expertise, sound judgment, and a proactive approach to supporting project research computing environments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintain and advance technical operational duties across research projects, ensuring alignment with evolving scientific needs.
• Collaborate with the project PI to manage and fulfill data requirements for research teams.
• Manage the DevOps release cycles and ensure releases stay on time, in scope, and on budget.
• Provide technical recommendations to improve application health, performance, and scalability.
• Oversee full-cycle resource management, including intake and fulfillment of DevOps requests.
• Analyze incoming project requests using expert judgment and advise the PI on prioritization and feasibility to ensure they meet project needs.
• Prepare and present reports on application uptime, project financials, task status, and other key performance indicators.
• Direct project technical operations and staff to ensure work priorities are met and shift priorities as required.
• Attend project meetings and interpret technical requirements to staff and stakeholders.
• Document and maintain operational procedures, workflows, and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• United States citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, IT Operations Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of DevOps Engineering and Operations Management.
• Proven ability to gather and interpret system requirements for complex research projects.
• Ability to direct DevOps technical work.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging with staff, sponsors, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills that support collaboration, leadership, and team building.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• IT project management experience.
• Experience working in a research or technical environment.
• Motivated self-starter who works independently and participates creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Inside office environment.
• Working on a computer for long periods of time.
• May involve long period of sitting at a desk.
• The work environment is fast-paced and sometimes involves extreme deadline pressures.

OTHER DUTIES

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Xcel Engineering is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, religious creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, protected Veteran Status, genetics or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Xcel Engineering's current openings as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by calling 855.212.1810. Thank you for your interest in Xcel Engineering.

All positions at Xcel Engineering, Inc. are contingent upon passing both a background check and drug screening prior to a start date and are subject to random drug screenings during the employment period. In addition, Xcel Engineering is an E-Verify employer.