Principal Technical Advisor (SME)

Zantech

$135K — $160K *
Information Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, Information Systems, or Engineering.
  • 15+ years in Federal IT modernization or technology management.
  • 10+ years of technical leadership in complex projects within a Federal environment.
  • Experience developing data-driven performance frameworks, including KPIs and SLAs.
  • Proven background in cloud, automation, and data analytics applications in IT.
  • Active Project Management Professional (PMP) certification required.
  • Relevant professional certifications in cloud architecture, agile delivery, or platform engineering preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Guide development of KPIs and SLAs for integrator performance evaluation.
  • Analyze performance data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
  • Deliver data-driven recommendations to Government governance bodies.
  • Identify technology-enabled solutions to enhance mission performance.
  • Advise stakeholders on actionable technology strategies aligned with Government priorities.
  • Lead innovation activities like rapid prototyping and proofs-of-concept.
  • Evaluate feasibility and risks associated with modernization initiatives.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work flexibility with a base in Ashburn, VA.
  • Opportunity to work on impactful operations and program management projects.
  • Engagement with senior-level government stakeholders.
  • Involvement in cutting-edge technology and innovation strategies.
  • Possibility for career growth in a Federal environment.
Full Job Description
Zantech is looking for a talented Principal Technical Advisor (SME) to contribute to the success of our upcoming Operations and Program Management Support Services project for a Hybrid role based out of Ashburn, VA.

The Contractor shall provide a Principal Technical Advisor who serves as the senior-most subject matter expert for both performance management and technology innovation. This individual is responsible for providing the Government with objective analysis of the integrator's

performance and advising on forward-looking technology strategies to enhance efficiency and mission capability. This SME is not responsible for the IT service delivery lifecycle itself.

Instead, their role is to provide strategic oversight, technical validation, and innovation leadership from the Government's perspective, ensuring that both current operations and future modernization efforts deliver maximum value.

Key Responsibilities:
Performance Management and Oversight:

o Provide expert guidance in developing meaningful KPIs and SLAs to measure integrator performance, focusing on value, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with Government objectives.

o Analyze technical, financial, and operational data to evaluate performance against baselines, identify trends, and surface risks or opportunities for improvement.

o Translate complex performance data into clear, data-informed recommendations for Government governance bodies.
Technology Modernization and Innovation Strategy:

o Identify, evaluate, and demonstrate technology-enabled approaches (including cloud, AI/ML, and intelligent automation) that improve mission performance and operational efficiency. CBP/SAS/BEMSD/Service Delivery and Resource Allocation Management Support

o Advise executive stakeholders by translating complex technical concepts into actionable options, shaping scalable, low-risk solutions that align with

Government priorities and operational realities.

o Lead rapid prototyping, proofs-of-concept, and other innovation activities to test and validate potential solutions before broader commitment.

o Assess the technical feasibility, risks, dependencies, security considerations, and transition approaches associated with new modernization initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in IT, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.
Experience:

o Fifteen (15) or more years of experience in Federal IT modernization, technology management, software engineering, cloud architecture, and/or IT performance management.

o Ten (10) or more years of experience providing technical leadership for medium or large multi-task projects of high complexity in a Federal environment.

o Demonstrated experience developing and implementing data-driven performance management frameworks (KPIs, SLAs) for large-scale IT service contracts.

o Demonstrated experience leading or advising on cloud, platform, or application modernization efforts, including technical strategy and software development.

o Proven experience applying intelligent automation, AI-enabled capabilities, and data analytics to improve workflows and decision support.

o Experience leading rapid prototyping or proof-of-concept development to inform Government acquisition or modernization decisions.
Certifications:

o Possess an active Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

o Possess one or more relevant professional certifications in cloud architecture, agile delivery, or platform engineering (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect, SAFe

Agilist, or equivalent).
Security: Experience supporting DHS or other homeland security, law enforcement, or Federal civilian mission environments is preferred.

Required Security Clearance:
  • US Citizenship
  • Active Secret or higher clearance, per contract requirements.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DHS clearance is required; active DHS CBP clearance is preferred

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