Behind every smoothly running operation at the Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC) is a dedicated team ensuring that technology and communication never miss a beat. One key player in that effort is Robert Moore, Business Operations Chief for the Network Enterprise Center (NEC). As part of the NEC team, Moore helps manage IT acquisitions, ensures contract compliance, and works with technicians to support personnel across the installation. A local native and Army veteran, he is committed to making NSSC a more connected and efficient workplace.

Moore’s career path has been anything but conventional. Born and raised in the Natick area, his first job after high school was in shipping and receiving at a computer parts company. Wanting to challenge himself and gain new experiences, he decided to join the Army.

“I said, you know, I need to expand. I need to experience life a little bit. So, I joined the military,” Moore recalls.

He served three years in the infantry before returning to civilian life, initially resuming his work in shipping and receiving. Then, a conversation with a friend changed everything.

“A buddy of mine who worked across the street was like, ‘Hey, we have an opening as a contractor here for IT support. I know you can do it. I’ve seen you do it before,’” Moore said.

That opportunity led him to NSSC, where he started in a service desk role and worked his way up to Business Operations Chief at the NEC.

“I surrounded myself with folks who are IT savvy and learned from them,” he continued. “Then I got myself over to business operations and kind of expanded from there.”

Moore plays a key role in ensuring NSSC’s IT services run smoothly. “I’m in charge of all NEC acquisitions—purchasing, contracts,” he says. As the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), he helps oversee the technicians who provide IT support for NSSC employees. “I make sure that they’re holding up to their contract,” he adds.

His leadership style is a major asset to the team. Andrew Almstrom, Director of the Network Enterprise Center, noted, “His leadership style meshes very well with the rest of the leadership. He is always in a good mood and is ready and willing to assist. He has more patience than most and he is able to talk through a complicated problem with others in a way they would understand.”

Beyond Natick, Moore also assists the Northeast Region, which includes Fort Drum, West Point, Fort Buchanan, Fort Dix, and Fort Hamilton. His oversight ensures that these installations receive the IT services they need to function efficiently. When he stepped into his role as Business Operations Chief, the department was in disarray. “When he was hired as the Business Operations Chief, the department was in shambles, and with no staff or experience, he turned it around in minimal amount of time,” Almstrom explained. “This allowed the NEC to make purchases once again for much-needed supplies and equipment.”

One of his recent projects includes upgrading the Wi-Fi system at NSSC. “We always want to hear from the tenants what you need to make your lives easier,” he said. “We want to be up to date. We don’t want to be behind when it comes to this.”

His message to the NSSC community is simple: “If you guys need anything when it comes to purchasing, IT support—work with your IMO, but also work with us. Just let us know. We’re always here to help.”

For Moore, working at NSSC is more than just a job—it’s a chance to give back to a community he knows well. “I’ve been here since 2016. I grew up in Framingham and Natick. My parents live right down the street,” he says with a smile. “Sometimes I even go pick their fridge at lunchtime.”

Despite growing up in the area, he wasn’t always familiar with NSSC’s mission. “I always knew this place existed, but I just never came around here,” he admits. His early perception of the installation was informed by the rumors he heard in school growing up. “I thought, oh, they must do underground testing there, but, when I walked in for my first interview and saw the uniforms and the MREs, it all came together.”

Now, he takes pride in being part of a team that supports NSSC’s personnel and the mission of equipping America’s Warfighters. “It’s a good place to work, honestly. I love it here. The folks, everyone. There’s a lot of townies like myself that are here,” he says. “We’re here to support everyone for all their IT needs.”

What many may not realize is that Moore, despite having the least amount of time in his role compared to others across the region, has become the go-to expert. “He has the least amount of time on the job—less than three years—compared to others with more than ten years of experience, but he is the one that everyone calls when they need help,” Almstrom noted. “Our Higher Headquarters asked Bobby to be the POC for all COR-related questions and problems.”

With a strong background in both military service and IT, Moore is dedicated to helping NSSC stay ahead of the curve and at the cutting edge of technology. Whether it’s troubleshooting a technical issue, procuring new IT equipment, or managing contracts, he and his team are committed to ensuring NSSC has the tools it needs to succeed.

His military background also influences his approach to leadership and problem-solving. “Bobby sees a problem and deals with it head on, zero hesitation,” Almstrom observed.

As NSSC continues to evolve, Moore’s role remains focused on collaboration and service. “We’ll always point you in the right direction,” he says. “We want to make this place better.”

With professionals like Moore on the team, NSSC’s IT operations remain in good hands.