Senior Cybersecurity SME (UAS / Aviation Programs)

Integration Innovation•Huntsville, AL

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Proven ability to operate as a technical authority, not just a contributor
Comfortable moving between: Strategic leadership Hands-on technical execution
Experience developing or guiding offensive cyber capabilities (e.g., scripting, exploit development, adversarial testing)
Ability to rapidly learn and adapt to new technologies and mission domains
Strong communication skills with the ability to influence both technical teams and senior leadership
Knowledge of office administration and procedures.
Exceptional judgment capabilities and relationship management skills.
Excellent communication, teamwork, and client service skills; ability to clearly communicate in discussions and written documents, and to deliver feedback clearly and tactfully.
Interact with a diverse array of customers and staff in a professional and courteous manner.
Work independently with accountability for accurate and complete results.
Be extremely organized and exceptionally detail oriented.
Work well both independently and in a team environment.
Be energized by a fast-paced work environment.
Must be able to communicate with others effectively.
Analyze information and respond appropriately.
Manage time wisely and prioritize tasks.
Provide superior customer service.
Multi-task in a pleasant manner.
Work well under pressure.

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