Academic Engagement SME

Leidos • San Antonio, TX

3d • $82,550 - $149,225

About The Position

Leidos is seeking an Academic Engagement SME in San Antonio, Texas. The role works directly with the 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) Technical Director in support of the Air Force Cryptologic Office (AFCO). It coordinates the Academic Engagement (AE) Program with 16AF staff, state and federal organizations, universities, and industry partners. The position requires managing multiple ongoing projects and aligning research activities among government, industry, and academic partners using knowledge of ISR and cyber fundamentals.

The AE Lead develops government-university research plans supporting career development in areas such as defense of critical infrastructure and super intelligence. The role identifies effective solutions and opportunities to improve efficiency through partner integration, innovation forums, and technical discussions supporting 16AF requirements. It also supports research and development, academic exchanges, partner resources, program briefings, and identifying research results suitable for advanced development and industry engagement.

Requirements

• Must possess a current DoD TS/SCI security clearance.
• Master’s degree and 10 or more years of relevant experience, or a bachelor’s degree and 15 or more years of relevant experience; additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships among subject-matter experts in various disciplines and align their expertise to advance relationships between government, industry, and academia.
• Understanding of authority vehicles such as CRADAs, EPAs, and IPAs, with support provided from AFRL.
• Proficiency knowledge of postsecondary programs such as cybersecurity, computer science, and political science.
• Knowledge of requirements for nationally recognized academic qualifications and designations, such as the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and the NSA’s National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C).
• Ability to work independently.

Nice To Haves

• Current polygraph.
• Experience researching cybersecurity- and ISR-focused topics academically and/or operationally.
• Awareness of existing DoW cybersecurity policy, plans, and program models supporting academic scholarships and internships.
• Portfolio or sampling of completed projects and/or case studies.
• Exposure to DoW policies, training programs, and certifications in cybersecurity, computer science, and political science, and methods for transferring government-based standards into academia.
• Familiarity with cyber and ISR regulatory principles, methods, and techniques used by DoW, USAF, and federal agencies.
• Interest in and suggested solutions for expanding the AE Program within 16AF.
• Background with accreditation needed for secure work environments, including hardware and software designs/credentials.
• Understanding of the roles performed by Technical Directors and Technical Advisors at 16AF and within subordinate organizations.

Responsibilities

• Synchronize partnerships between government and academia through multiple exchange formats.
• Organize and lead formal academic exchange events, including technical talks and cyber-style capture-the-flag events.
• Collaborate with government, industry, and academic partners at various intervals.
• Provide academic partners with information about resource availability, such as scholarship programs and federal grants.
• Lead technical research and development that enables continued innovation between government subject-matter experts and academic research leaders.
• Brief senior leaders in government and academia on AE Program details and future plans.
• Ensure research plans remain aligned with the original problem intent and support stages of basic and intermediate development.
• Identify completed research findings suitable for advanced development and industry engagement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior