Software Security Subject Matter Expert (SME)

This role provides technical leadership and advisory evaluation support of research and development in the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), as part of a multidisciplinary team of high-performance professionals tackling the client’s most vexing technical and technological challenges related to the security of the nation’s critical infrastructure, and developing solutions to meet the next homeland security threats.

This SME role entails evaluation and support of Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) activities including countering cybersecurity threats presented in software. This role entails working closely with stakeholders in the various DHS components, R&D performers, and DHS S&T program management teams to manage technical collaborations that lead to deliverables that are successfully transitioned to operations.

The roles and responsibilities of the successful candidate may include, but are not limited to:

• Researching current and emerging technologies and standards and trends in both industry and academia.
• Coordinating and facilitating research on cybersecurity techniques and methods.
• Coordinating software/firmware cybersecurity-related R&D.
• Providing technical input into policies, procedures, and technology development at countering cybersecurity threats.
• Evaluating the utility of technical approaches or models using quantitative methods.
• Reviewing technical reports and providing critiques of methods and results.
• Developing and evaluating R&D strategies based on technical results.
• Assessing the efficacy, safety, cost lifecycle of proposed or realized technical solutions.
• Participating in industry events, working groups, and trainings.
• Assisting federal SME leads in coordinating, tracking, and submitting responses to federal government RFIs.
• Providing technical assistance in the development of statements of work (SOW), project planning, and coordination.
• Identifying the viable technical approaches for addressing technology gaps from the existing state of the art and ongoing Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I) efforts.
• Applying technical acumen and strategic thinking in RD&I program and portfolio strategies.
• Intaking requirements from DHS Agencies (e.g., FEMA, TSA, CISA, USCG, etc.) and articulating them to DHS S&T agency stakeholders. 
• Analyzing and documenting potential development of technical solution pathways.
• Assisting federal SME leads in reviewing deliverables against requirements.
• Communicating scientific findings to technical and non-technical audiences as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree and 5 years of relevant experience or equivalent credits/certification and 10 years of relevant experience in Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Mathematics, or related scientific or engineering discipline.
• Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
• Applicants selected must be eligible to receive DHS Suitability.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience providing direct or consultant support to programs, projects, or offices, preferably in national security, which required evaluation, analysis, and development of recommended solutions.
• RDT&E related to protecting the government, public, and/or critical infrastructure through cybersecurity.
• Experience in software/firmware security, specifically open-source software.
• Ability to work in a dynamic team-oriented environment, demonstrate teamwork and initiative, and function productively in the face of new assignments and the re-prioritization of existing assignments.  
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills. Proven results-oriented problem-solving abilities, and ability to convey recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences in a clear and concise manner.
• Able to organize and manage work, deal with competing priorities.
• Experience providing guidance, feedback, and consulting services to federal program managers.
• Experience facilitating resolution of customer requirements, including helping to identify and document capability gaps, formulate and develop technological solutions, and participate in and contribute to strategic discussions.
• Experience preparing and reviewing presentations, reports, project schedules and weekly status inputs.
• Comfort reading, analyzing, and critiquing scientific manuscripts, similar to a peer-review process usually learned in graduate school.
• Comfort discussing technical aspects of laboratory research 
• Interest in learning about and researching new technical areas; the right candidate will ask questions and seek to understand both technical and programmatic issues.
• Expertise in the field of threats of interest to domestic national security.
• Publications, patents, or other documented evidence of expertise in these fields. 
• Self-motivation and the ability to map out paths to success.  
• Experience providing strategic scientific guidance, such as technology roadmaps, feasibility analysis, and market research regarding the boundaries of state-of-art technology. 
• Experience supporting technology transition from research and development to operational use. 
• Experience adapting to changes in processes, requirements, and priorities. 
• Experience supporting DoD and/or DHS components (e.g., TSA, CBP, CISA, FPS, DNDO/CWMD, USCG, ICE). 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially PowerPoint, Excel, and Project). 
• Candidates with a Secret (Top Secret/SCI) clearance and DHS Suitability are strongly preferred. 

At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Benefits page on our Careers site.

Salary at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, and clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is provided within the posting and are based on full time status. Part time staff receive a prorated salary based on regularly scheduled hours. The estimated minimum and maximum displayed represents the broadest range for this position (inclusive of high geographic and high clearance requirements), and is just one component of Noblis’ total compensation package for employees.

With the continuing impacts of COVID-19 around the world, we are taking action to protect the health and well-being of our colleagues and maintain the safety of the communities where we operate. Noblis seeks an environment free from COVID-19 and prefers all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  Attestation of vaccination status will be required for employment with Noblis.  Unvaccinated employees may be subject to additional health and safety requirements to include any federal, state and/or client restrictions.

Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI, and Noblis MSD tackle the nation's toughest problems and apply advanced solutions to our clients' most critical missions. We bring the best of scientific thought, management, and engineering expertise together in an environment of independence and objectivity to deliver enduring impact on federal missions. Noblis works with a wide range of government clients in the defense, intelligence and federal civil sectors. Learn more at Noblis -About Us

Why work at a Noblis company?

Our employees find greater meaning in their work and balance the other things in life that matter to them. Our people are our greatest asset. They are exceptionally skilled, knowledgeable, team-oriented, and mission-driven individuals who want to do work that matters and benefits the public. Noblis has won numerous workplace awards. Noblis maintains a drug-free workplace.

Noblis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race (as well as because of or on the basis of traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Noblis is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Noblis will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact employee-relations@noblis.org.