Principal Technical Advisor (SME)

Zantech•Ashburn, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Zantech is seeking a talented Principal Technical Advisor (SME) to contribute to the success of an Operations and Program Management Support Services project. This is a hybrid role based out of Ashburn, VA. The Principal Technical Advisor will serve 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. The SME is not responsible for the IT service delivery lifecycle itself, but rather provides strategic oversight, technical validation, and innovation leadership from the Government's perspective, ensuring that both current operations and future modernization efforts deliver maximum value.

Requirements

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in IT, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.
Fifteen (15) or more years of experience in Federal IT modernization, technology management, software engineering, cloud architecture, and/or IT performance management.
Ten (10) or more years of experience providing technical leadership for medium or large multi-task projects of high complexity in a Federal environment.
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing data-driven performance management frameworks (KPIs, SLAs) for large-scale IT service contracts.
Demonstrated experience leading or advising on cloud, platform, or application modernization efforts, including technical strategy and software development.
Proven experience applying intelligent automation, AI-enabled capabilities, and data analytics to improve workflows and decision support.
Experience leading rapid prototyping or proof-of-concept development to inform Government acquisition or modernization decisions.
Possess an active Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Possess one or more relevant professional certifications in cloud architecture, agile delivery, or platform engineering (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect, SAFe Agilist, or equivalent).
US Citizenship
Active Secret or higher clearance, per contract requirements.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DHS clearance is required

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting DHS or other homeland security, law enforcement, or Federal civilian mission environments is preferred.
Active DHS CBP clearance is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide expert guidance in developing meaningful KPIs and SLAs to measure integrator performance, focusing on value, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with Government objectives.
Analyze technical, financial, and operational data to evaluate performance against baselines, identify trends, and surface risks or opportunities for improvement.
Translate complex performance data into clear, data-informed recommendations for Government governance bodies.
Identify, evaluate, and demonstrate technology-enabled approaches (including cloud, AI/ML, and intelligent automation) that improve mission performance and operational efficiency.
Advise executive stakeholders by translating complex technical concepts into actionable options, shaping scalable, low-risk solutions that align with Government priorities and operational realities.
Lead rapid prototyping, proofs-of-concept, and other innovation activities to test and validate potential solutions before broader commitment.
Assess the technical feasibility, risks, dependencies, security considerations, and transition approaches associated with new modernization initiatives.