Configuration Management Specialist in Government Contracting

Configuration Management Specialist on Government Contracts

Configuration Management Specialists are crucial for maintaining the integrity and consistency of a product’s performance by handling changes in a systematized and controlled manner. Their expertise ensures that all government IT projects and systems remain organized, documented, and up-to-date throughout their lifecycle.

What does a Configuration Management Specialist do on Government Contracts?

A Configuration Management Specialist on government contracts focuses on the detailed tracking and control of technical and administrative changes to information systems and their components. Their key responsibilities include:

  • Configuration Identification: Defining and documenting the functional and physical characteristics of information systems, hardware, and software.
  • Configuration Control: Managing changes to configuration items; ensuring that changes are documented, reviewed, and approved.
  • Configuration Status Accounting: Keeping records and reports on configuration items to inform project management and other team members of the system’s status.
  • Configuration Audits: Conducting audits to verify the physical and functional characteristics of systems and ensure they match the documentation.
  • Process Improvement: Continuously improving configuration management processes to enhance system reliability and efficiency.

Configuration Management Specialist Job Description

Configuration Management Specialists on government contracts are responsible for overseeing the configuration of software, hardware, and other IT system components. Their role involves:

  • Establishing and maintaining control over configuration items and their changes.
  • Developing and implementing configuration management standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Coordinating with project teams to ensure adherence to configuration management policies.
  • Assisting in the design and establishment of configuration management documentation and tracking.
  • Analyzing data and preparing configuration management plans and reports to ensure alignment with project goals.

Job Requirements for a Configuration Management Specialist

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Detailed understanding of configuration management principles.
  • Proficiency in configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef) and software version control systems (e.g., Git, SVN).
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Excellent communication skills for interfacing with multiple stakeholders.
  • Analytical skills to evaluate configuration changes and their impacts on the system.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
  • 2-4 years of experience in configuration management, preferably in a government contracting environment.
  • Certification in configuration management or relevant areas is a plus.

WORKSPACE/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Office environment requiring extensive use of computers.
  • May require occasional visits to other sites for system verification or audit purposes.
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage priorities effectively.

What does a typical job posting look like for a Configuration Management Specialist?

“We are seeking an experienced Configuration Management Specialist to manage system configurations for our government contracts. You will ensure that all IT systems and components are consistently monitored and maintained to meet project requirements and standards.”

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Develop and maintain configuration management policies and procedures.
  • Monitor changes in software configurations and hardware specifications.
  • Conduct configuration audits to verify compliance with specifications.
  • Maintain records and documentation of configuration statuses.
  • Collaborate with IT and project teams to coordinate configuration management activities.

Salary Range

The salary for a Configuration Management Specialist working on government contracts typically ranges from $80,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on their level of expertise, the complexity of the projects, and geographical location.

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