Senior Cybersecurity SME (UAS / Aviation Programs)

Overview

i3 is seeking a Senior Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert (SME) to serve as the technical authority for cybersecurity across Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) programs. This role is responsible for defining, guiding, and enforcing cybersecurity strategy, architecture, and execution across system development, sustainment, and modernization efforts.

 

This individual will lead a team of junior and mid-level engineers while directly engaging in advanced technical activities, including vulnerability research, adversarial testing, and mission system integration. The ideal candidate operates comfortably at the intersection of cybersecurity, system engineering, and operational mission support.

 

Candidates must possess a United States SECRET security clearance.

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Mission Integration

• Serve as the senior cybersecurity authority for UAS platforms, subsystems, and supporting infrastructure
• Define and enforce cybersecurity architecture, design patterns, and secure integration approaches across system lifecycles
• Advise technical leadership on secure approaches to P3I (Pre-Planned Product Improvements), system modifications, and sustainment strategies
• Evaluate system architectures, data flows, and communications pathways to identify systemic risk and mission vulnerabilities

Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead, mentor, and direct a team of engineers performing RMF, vulnerability assessment, and system hardening activities
• Assign priorities, review outputs, and ensure technical rigor and consistency across all cybersecurity efforts
• Identify skill gaps and source or recruit additional technical expertise, including specialized cyber and UAS personnel
• Foster a culture of technical curiosity, accountability, and continuous learning

Offensive & Defensive Cyber Operations

• Design and oversee penetration testing and adversarial assessments of UAS systems and supporting infrastructure
• Conduct or guide development of custom attack scripts, exploit research, and vulnerability analysis
• Evaluate system resilience against real-world threat scenarios, including nation-state and advanced persistent threats
• Translate findings into actionable recommendations to improve system security posture

RMF Strategy & Authorization Oversight

• Own the strategy and execution of Risk Management Framework (RMF) authorizations across UAS programs
• Provide oversight of eMASS packages, POA&Ms, and continuous monitoring efforts
• Ensure cybersecurity efforts align with DoD requirements for security, resilience, and dependability
• Balance compliance requirements with operational and mission needs, avoiding “check-the-box” approaches

Program & Contractor Oversight

• Manage cybersecurity aspects of cost, schedule, and performance for contractor-developed capabilities
• Review and prioritize Problem Change Requests (PCRs) and remediation efforts
• Author and refine Performance Work Statements (PWS) for cybersecurity-related tasking
• Coordinate across contractors, engineers, logisticians, and program leadership to ensure aligned execution

Risk, Compliance & Assurance

• Establish and refine processes for monitoring, auditing, and measuring system risk and compliance posture
• Identify deviations from required security baselines and drive corrective action
• Provide clear, concise reporting to leadership on risk posture, emerging threats, and mitigation strategies
• Develop contingency plans for identified risks and system vulnerabilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field with 11+ years of experience, or 15+ years equivalent experience.
• Active Secret Clearance required. Must be able to maintain the security clearance required for this position.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Extensive experience in DoD cybersecurity, RMF, and system authorization processes
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex cybersecurity efforts across system lifecycles
• Strong understanding of:
  • UAS or aviation systems (preferred)
  • System architecture and secure design
  • Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing
  • Hands-on experience with tools such as:
  • ACAS / Nessus
  • STIG Viewer / SCC
  • eMASS

Desired/Preferred:

• Proven ability to operate as a technical authority, not just a contributor
• Comfortable moving between:
• Strategic leadership
• Hands-on technical execution
• Experience developing or