AI Subject Matter Expert

Nightwing Intelligence Solutions•Sterling, VA

About The Position

Nightwing is seeking an AI Subject Matter Expert to bridge artificial intelligence innovation and practical cyber defense operations. The role combines AI expertise, cybersecurity knowledge, and project management capabilities to drive the strategic adoption of AI technologies in security infrastructure. The position supports a U.S. Government customer whose incident-response mission serves civilian Government agencies and critical asset owners experiencing cyberattacks. The expert will shape AI-enhanced security capabilities, identify and assess AI/ML applications for cyber defense, and guide the design and implementation of solutions. The role also leads roadmaps and cross-functional projects, coordinates stakeholders, and ensures that implementations meet security, privacy, and compliance requirements. Responsibilities include supporting AI adoption in security operations through readiness assessments, change management, success metrics, documentation, training, and knowledge transfer.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must have an active TS/SCI clearance.
Must be able to obtain DHS Suitability.
10 or more years of directly relevant experience.
5 or more years of experience in cybersecurity or related technical roles.
3 or more years working with AI/ML technologies or data-driven security solutions.
3 or more years in project/program management or technical leadership roles.
Ability to envision long-term AI security capabilities and create actionable paths forward.
Understanding of machine-learning fundamentals, neural networks, natural language processing, and the AI model lifecycle.
Adaptability and ability to navigate rapidly evolving AI and threat landscapes.
Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Strong knowledge of security operations, the threat landscape, defense frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK, SIEM/SOAR platforms, and security architecture.
Familiarity with behavioral analytics, threat hunting, malware analysis, phishing detection, and vulnerability management use cases.
Proven experience developing roadmaps and managing complex technical projects.
Proficiency with Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid project-management methodologies.
Strong skills in resource planning, schedule development, and stakeholder management.
Experience with project-management tools such as Jira, MS Project, Asana, or similar.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience securing AI systems, using AI in defensive system operations such as a SOC, and thwarting AI-enabled attacks.
Background in data engineering, security analytics, or threat intelligence.
Familiarity with cloud security platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
Knowledge of AI governance, ethics, and responsible AI principles.
Understanding of regulatory requirements such as GDPR, CCPA, and industry-specific frameworks.
Experience with automation and orchestration platforms.
CISSP, CISM, PMP, PMI-ACP, or AI/ML certifications.

Responsibilities

Define a strategic vision for AI-enhanced security capabilities aligned with the organization’s risk posture.
Identify and evaluate AI/ML use cases for cyber defense, threat detection, incident response, and security operations.
Assess emerging AI technologies for security applications, including anomaly detection, threat intelligence, and automated response.
Stay current on the AI threat landscape, including adversarial AI and AI-powered attacks.
Bridge communication among technical teams, security operators, and business stakeholders.
Evaluate complex security challenges and identify appropriate AI solutions.
Translate cybersecurity requirements into AI solution specifications.
Evaluate AI/ML platforms, tools, and vendors for security applications.
Define and advocate for AI prototyping or piloting initiatives as risk-reduction measures.
Collaborate with data science, security operations, and infrastructure teams on solution architecture.
Develop AI cybersecurity roadmaps with milestones and dependencies, aligned with broader organizational roadmaps and strategies.
Create project schedules, resource plans, and budget estimates.
Manage cross-functional implementation teams, including security analysts, data scientists, and engineers.
Track project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
Facilitate stakeholder communication and executive reporting on AI security initiatives.
Coordinate with stakeholders and workstreams to address use cases and inform strategy.
Ensure AI implementations meet security, privacy, and compliance requirements.
Understand model training, validation, and deployment pipelines in security contexts.
Conduct readiness assessments for AI adoption within security operations.
Design change-management strategies for integrating AI tools into existing workflows.
Develop success metrics and KPIs for AI security implementations.
Create documentation, training materials, and knowledge-transfer programs.