GovCIO

Cyber Security Subject Matter Expert

GovCIO$180K — $200K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in a relevant role or equivalent experience.
  • Current clearance required/SCI.
  • Previous experience as a Cyberspace Information Security Officer (CISO) with Risk Management Framework (RMF) expertise.
  • Strong knowledge of NIST SP 800-160 information system security engineering principles.
  • Ability to evaluate IT and cybersecurity products against policies and needs.
  • Experience with governance writing in a DoD or Intelligence Community context.
  • Solid understanding of DoD Cybersecurity Reference Architecture and related frameworks.

Responsibilities

  • Advise leadership on cybersecurity strategy and emerging threats.
  • Translate complex security concepts into actionable recommendations.
  • Shape enterprise security policies and governance frameworks.
  • Provide expertise in network security, cloud security, and incident response.
  • Support security assessments, architecture reviews, and system hardening initiatives.
  • Evaluate and recommend new security technologies and tools.
  • Serve as a senior point of escalation during major security incidents.

Benefits

  • Work in a key national security environment at an important military location.
  • Opportunity to influence cybersecurity architecture and policy at the highest levels.
  • Engage with a team focused on maturing cybersecurity postures in a rapidly changing threat landscape.
  • Access to work alongside experienced military and government professionals in the field of cybersecurity.
  • Potential for mentorship and career growth within a reputable and established organization.
Full Job Description
Overview

GovCIO is currently hiring for a Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the design and implementation of a Zero Trust Architecture for Headquarters Air Force/A2 Intelligence Directorate. This position will be located at Joint Base Anacostia Bolling in the National Capital region and will be an onsite position.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly skilled Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide strategic guidance, technical leadership, and deep domain expertise across our security programs. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional who thrives at the intersection of handson technical work, risk management, and organizational strategy. The SME will serve as a trusted advisor to leadership, drive security architecture decisions, and help mature our Zero Trust cybersecurity posture in a rapidly evolving threat landscape across the Department of Wars Intelligence Community.

  • Advise executive and technical leadership on cybersecurity strategy, emerging threats, and industry best practices.
  • Translate complex security concepts into actionable recommendations for both technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
  • Shape and influence enterprise security policies, standards, and governance frameworks.
  • Provide deep subject matter expertise in areas such as network security, cloud security, identity and access management, incident response, threat intelligence, and vulnerability management.
  • Lead or support complex security assessments, architecture reviews, and system hardening initiatives.
  • Evaluate and recommend security technologies, tools, and platforms.
  • Serve as a senior escalation point during major security incidents.
  • Guide rootcause analysis, containment strategies, and longterm remediation planning.
  • Analyze threat trends and proactively identify risks to the organization.
  • Support compliance efforts across frameworks such as NIST CSF, NIST 80053, ISO 27001, CIS Controls, PCIDSS, or FedRAMP (as applicable).
  • Conduct risk assessments and provide expert input on mitigation strategies.
  • Ensure alignment between security controls and business objectives.
  • Partner with engineering, IT, DevOps, and product teams to embed security into system design and development lifecycles.
  • Mentor junior security staff and contribute to internal knowledgesharing initiatives.
  • Represent the security function in crossfunctional working groups and external engagements.
Qualifications

High School with 10+ years (or commensurate experience)

Required Skills and Experience

  • Clearance Required/SCI
  • Previous Risk Management Framework (RMF) experience as a Cyberspace Information Security Officer (CISO)
  • Strong understanding of Information System Security Engineering principles based on NIST SP 800-160
  • Ability to objectively evaluate multiple IT and Cybersecurity products to select the best tools based on product capabilities, existing policies, and customer needs
  • Experience writing and reviewing governance within a DoD, or Intelligence Community environment
  • Strong understanding of DoD Cybersecurity Reference Architecture
  • Familiarity with application security, network security, cloud security, end point security, identity access management, and governance in a DoD, Intelligence Community environment
  • Military or government experience in operations and intelligence
  • Deep understanding of military operations, intelligence gathering (e.g., all-source, OSINT), and decision-making processes
  • Familiarity with DoD, Intelligence Community, and interagency structures and policies
  • Strong problem-solving, data analysis, and critical thinking abilities
  • Experience with process modeling and business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
  • Knowledge of standard intelligence analysis tools and procedures
  • Excellent communication (written and verbal), collaboration, and stakeholder management skills

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Experience and knowledge with a Zero-Trust Architecture in a DoD or Intelligence Community environment
  • Experience with content, processes, and procedures related to vendor and in-house developed applications.

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Posted Salary RangeUSD $180,000.00 - USD $200,000.00 /Yr.

About GovCIO

GovCIO is a technology and consulting firm that provides IT solutions to government agencies. The company specializes in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. GovCIO's mission is to help government agencies improve their IT infrastructure and enhance their services to the public. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Washington, DC.
Learn more about GovCIO
Size
50 employees
Industry
Founded
2015

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