IT Security Cyber Operations SME Security Clearance

Position: IT Security Cyber Operations SME with Security Clearance
IT Security Cyber Operations SME

Location:

Onsite – Arlington, VA
Clearance:
Active Top Secret clearance required; eligible for SCI and SAP access This position supports Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in Arlington, VA. The contractor will provide a senior-level IT Security Cyber Operations Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support DARPA’s cybersecurity architecture and engineering initiatives. This role is responsible for advising on secure system architectures, conducting risk and vulnerability assessments, guiding cybersecurity engineering implementations, and ensuring alignment with Department of Defense (DoD) cybersecurity policies and federal mandates.

Serving as a trusted technical advisor, the Cyber Operations SME will collaborate across IT, program, and security stakeholders while ensuring cybersecurity solutions support DARPA’s mission objectives and evolving threat landscape. Requirements Minimum of 10 years of experience in IT, information systems security/cybersecurity, architecture, and engineering Experience supporting DoD environments; DARPA experience highly preferred Experience managing or supporting Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and/or Special Access Program (SAP) enclaves strongly preferred Compliance with DoD 8140.01 requirements Cyber Workforce Advanced Qualification (DCWF Code 651) required SAFe or similar Agile methodology certification desired Active Top Secret clearance, eligible for SCI and SAP access

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Cybersecurity Architecture & Engineering Provide expert advisement on cybersecurity architectures aligned with DARPA’s mission and strategic objectives Plan and define criteria for secure cybersecurity solutions that enable identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover functions Guide architecture assessments and perform gap analyses to identify security posture improvements Review and advise on system hardening, monitoring, incident response, and disaster recovery strategies Advise on implementation of cybersecurity engineering solutions to protect Agency systems and data Risk Management & Threat Analysis Serve as senior reviewer of risk assessments and vulnerability analyses Conduct research and analysis on emerging cybersecurity threats, technologies, and mitigation strategies Ensure alignment with DoD cybersecurity policies, federal mandates, and Agency directives Program & Agile Leadership Serve as Product Manager under the SAFe construct for Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering initiatives Develop acceptance criteria defining desirable, viable, feasible, and sustainable cybersecurity solutions Manage execution of high-level ITD cybersecurity projects under Government guidance Coordinate contractors and government stakeholders to ensure integration and alignment of cybersecurity solutions Stakeholder & Cross-Agency Collaboration Collaborate with IT staff, program managers, security officials, and executive leadership Coordinate with other contractors and government agencies to ensure cybersecurity architectures are integrated and mission-aligned Provide executive-level advisement and briefings as required Why This Role ICS is supporting mission-critical cybersecurity architecture and engineering efforts within the Department of Defense.

As an IT Security Cyber Operations SME, you will help secure advanced systems operating in SCI and SAP environments, shaping resilient, scalable solutions that protect critical national security missions. This role places you at the forefront of DoD cybersecurity modernization, ensuring Agency systems remain secure, interoperable, and prepared to defend against evolving threats.