IT Manager (Yokota, Japan)
Position Summary
As the IT Manager, you will lead the design, implementation, and sustainment of critical command-and-control IT infrastructure supporting Space Forces–Japan operations. This role is ideal for an entrepreneurial IT leader who thrives in dynamic, high-stakes environments and can build capability from the ground up. You will play a central role in standing up and supporting new and existing operations centers, including the communications fit-out for the new Space Forces–Japan Headquarters. This position requires deep technical expertise, strong ownership, and the ability to deliver secure, reliable IT services across NIPR, SIPR, MPE, JWICS, and bilateral network environments. We are looking for a player-coach who can architect solutions, execute installations, troubleshoot live issues, manage assets with precision, and directly support joint exercises and senior leadership requirements.
Clearance Requirements:
Active Top Secret clearance and SCI eligible
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Lead communications and IT outfitting for headquarters relocation and facility stand-up efforts
- Execute physical teardown, transit, reinstallation, and operational restoration of IT systems and communications equipment
- Design, build, administer, and sustain secure and non-secure network environments
- Establish resilient, well-documented, and high-performing IT infrastructure for command-and-control operations
- Perform hands-on system administration, configuration, troubleshooting, and performance optimization
- Design and deploy IT infrastructure for new and existing work centers and operations centers
- Engineer and support secure voice, video, and data services for exercises and operational events
- Manage the full lifecycle of exercise IT systems, from initial setup and hardening through live support and post-event teardown
- Provision, maintain, and manage user accounts for permanent personnel and transient exercise participants
- Ensure continuous operational readiness during high-tempo mission activities
- Serve as the primary point of accountability for IT asset management under BOS-I principles
- Track hardware and software assets from acquisition through disposal
- Maintain accurate, auditable inventory records and lifecycle documentation
- Support compliance, configuration control, and documentation requirements across mission systems
- Coordinate requirements, approvals, and technical integration with
- Serve as the primary Client Systems Technician for headquarters staff
- Maintain and troubleshoot workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and VTC systems
- Deliver responsive support for senior leaders and high-visibility events
- Train users and component staff on systems, processes, and local support procedures
Required Education, Skills, and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Network Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered
- 8+ years of relevant IT experience in secure enterprise or mission environments
- Hands-on experience with classified and unclassified networks, including some combination of NIPR, SIPR, JWICS, MPE, or bilateral environments
- Experience standing up, relocating, or supporting command-post, operations-center, or mission-support IT infrastructure
- Experience with IT asset accountability, inventory management, and lifecycle tracking
- Experience supporting exercises, operational events, or high-tempo mission environments
- Strong troubleshooting, systems administration, and end-user support skills
- Ability to coordinate effectively with technical teams, operational stakeholders, and senior leaders
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting DoD, Space Force, Air Force, joint, or Indo-Pacific missions
- Experience with headquarters relocation, communications fit-out, or facility activation
- Experience supporting accreditation, cybersecurity compliance, or RMF-related activities
- Experience leading small technical teams while remaining hands-on
- Experience supporting executive or senior leader communications requirements
- Desired Certifications Include:
- CompTIA Security+ CE
- CompTIA Network+
- CCNA or CCNP
- CASP+
- CISSP
- ITIL Foundation
- VMware, Microsoft, or other enterprise infrastructure certifications
- Relevant Training and PME
- RMF or cybersecurity compliance training
- COMSEC or secure systems training
- Systems administration and network operations coursework
- Joint Professional Military Education (JPME)
- Service PME such as NCO Academy, SNCO Academy, Squadron Officer School, or Command and Staff College
Physical Demands and Expectations:
- Travel will be required to support this task (up to 25% travel)
- Regular physical activity to include walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting (up to 30 pounds), and standing; occasional prolonged sitting
- Ability to speak, read, hear and write, with or without assistance
Ability to use phone and computer systems, copier, fax and other office equipment
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This position description re present s a summary of the major components and requirements of the outlined job. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or required as business needs dictate. Questions regarding this description should immediately be addressed to the department manager or to Human Resources.
LIFE CYCLE ENGINEERING
Life Cycle Engineering (LCE) is a privately held, employee-owned company with an emphasis on "doing the right thing the right way”, which applies to the way we treat our customers and employees. We are proud to have been recognized as a "Best Place to Work” in Engineering and in many states and local communities in which we work! Learn more below and at www.lce.com .
Mission
Our mission is to enable people and organizations to achieve their full potential.
As a professional services organization, our mission is focused on our clients' people and organizations. It is our company's cornerstone belief that we will not lead the industry in assisting our clients unless we excel at helping our own people and teams reach their full potential.
Culture
Our corporate culture encourages personal and professional growth because LCE's success depends on the talent, innovation, professionalism, and commitment of its employees. LCE is a strengths-based organization focused on turning individual talents into strengths and then turning individual strengths into organizational performance that supports our clients' success.
Benefits
- Affordable Medical/Dental/Vision Plans for employees and their families
- Free Employee Life and Disability Insurance, with supplemental coverage options available
- Health Savings Account and Flexible Savings Account options
- Company matched 401(k) & company-funded Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
- Paid Vacation, Holiday, Sick Leave
- Continuing Education and Professional Development programs at all levels
- Flexible Schedules and Relaxed Dress Code
- Employer-sponsored events, social collaboration, and open communication
- Free access to an extensive online training library, including certification prep
- Bonus Program for outstanding contributions, Employee Referral Program, numerous Recognition Opportunities, and more...
*Benefits may vary by business unit and location.
Life Cycle Engineering is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, application for or service in the military or status as a disabled veteran or veteran, because of or on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation, and any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. 