Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Position Overview Type: Full-Time, Exempt Location: Huntsville, AL / Colorado Springs, COTravel: Some travel may be expected, : Active Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearanceWork Authorization: U.S. Citizenship requiredSummary/ObjectiveFive Stones Research Corporation (5SRC) is seeking a highly motivated Zero Trust Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a Department of Defense (DoD) customer in advancing Zero Trust strategy, implementation coordination, and executive-level communication.The selected candidate will serve as a trusted advisor and liaison between government leadership, technical implementation teams, and Zero Trust Program Management Office (ZT PfMO) stakeholders. This role focuses on policy alignment, governance, technical integration awareness, and mission-focused execution of DoD Zero Trust initiatives.Essential FunctionsZero Trust Strategy & GovernanceProvide subject matter expertise on DoD Zero Trust principles, architecture, and implementation guidance aligned with DoD Zero Trust Strategy, Reference Architecture, and emerging policy.Support development, refinement, and execution tracking of Zero Trust roadmaps, transition plans, and implementation milestones.Assist government leadership in prioritizing Zero Trust activities across identity, device, network, application, data, and visibility/analytics pillars.Ensure alignment with RMF, cybersecurity resiliency, and enterprise architecture considerations.Government Engagement & Program IntegrationServe as an interface between government leadership, ZT PfMO offices, and technical implementation teams.Coordinate and manage communications, briefings, and documentation provided to DoD Zero Trust governance bodies.Facilitate working groups, technical exchanges, and decision forums supporting Zero Trust execution.Translate technical findings and implementation status into clear executive-level messaging.Technical Coordination & Implementation AwarenessCollaborate with engineering and cybersecurity teams responsible for Zero Trust capability deployment and integration.Track progress of capability adoption, control implementation, and risk reduction activities.Identify gaps, dependencies, and risks impacting Zero Trust execution and recommend mitigation strategies.Maintain awareness of ICAM, network security, endpoint security, cloud security, data protection, and monitoring solutions supporting Zero Trust.Documentation, Reporting, and CommunicationsDevelop and maintain:Executive briefingsTechnical summariesMeeting artifacts and decision recordsStatus reports to DoD ZT PfMO stakeholdersEnsure documentation aligns with DoD cybersecurity policy, governance expectations, and reporting standards.Required Education and ExperienceMaster's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Engineering, or related STEM field with 5+ years of DoD cyber experienceAcceptable alternative: Bachelor's degree in a related field with 8+ years of DoD cyber experience supporting complex defense systems or enterprise environments.Must meet DoD 8570 IAM Level I or IAM Level II requirements prior to start (intermediate to advanced level role depending on experience).Preferred QualificationsPreferred certifications:CISSPCISMCCSPZero Trust or cloud security–related certificationsExperience supporting Zero Trust implementation within DoD environments.Familiarity with:ICAM / identity federationNetwork segmentation / SDP / SASEEndpoint detection and responseData security and taggingSecurity analytics and continuous monitoringUnderstanding of cyber resiliency, DevSecOps, and cloud security within defense programs.Strong communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.What We Offer:401(k) MatchingCompany EventsDental InsuranceEmployee Recognition ProgramsHealth InsuranceLife InsurancePaid Time OffParental LeavePerformance IncentivesStudent Loan RepaymentTuition ReimbursementVision InsuranceSalary Range$110,000 - $185,000All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.