Systems Engineering SME - WHCA

Northern Technologies Group, Inc. • Washington, VA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Systems Engineering Subject Matter Expert (SME) supports the White House Communications Agency (WHCA) IT enterprise, providing senior technical leadership across systems engineering, network engineering, cybersecurity, and enterprise architecture. The position establishes technical direction, shapes architecture and engineering decisions with critical impact on mission delivery, and applies recent hands-on experience in artificial intelligence, Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC), post-quantum cryptography, and data analytics to modernize, secure, and harden the communications enterprise supporting the President. The SME interfaces directly with senior WHCA leadership and government engineering personnel in highly classified environments.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must possess an active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline and 15+ years of progressive IT engineering experience.
• Demonstrated depth in at least three of the following areas: systems engineering, network engineering, cybersecurity engineering, and enterprise architecture.
• Recent hands-on experience, within the last three years, in at least two of the following areas: CSfC solution design or Trusted Integrator work; post-quantum cryptography migration planning; applied artificial intelligence or machine learning; and enterprise data analytics.
• Experience engineering systems in TS/SCI environments and across multiple classification domains.
• Must meet DoD 8140 Advanced proficiency requirements for DCWF Work Role 652 - Security Architect, or Work Role 651 - Enterprise Architect, and comply with any DoD 8570 baseline requirements cited in the applicable task order or DD Form 254.
• Must possess CISSP with ISSAP or ISSEP concentration, or an equivalent Advanced-level qualification listed on the current DoD 8140 Foundational Qualification Matrix for the coded work role.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Ability to communicate complex technical positions effectively to senior military and civilian leadership.
• INCOSE Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP) certification.
• Cisco CCIE in Enterprise Infrastructure or Security, or CCNP Security certification.
• ISC2 CCSP, AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional, or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification.
• NSA CSfC Trusted Integrator experience or prior service in a Trusted Integrator role.
• Experience supporting Presidential, Special Access Program (SAP), or other high-consequence communications environments.
• Prior military service in communications or cyber career fields.

Responsibilities

• Provide SME-level technical leadership for major systems, network, and cybersecurity engineering efforts, establishing goals, plans, and technical baselines aligned with WHCA mission objectives.
• Lead the architecture and design of secure, resilient IT systems across multiple classification domains, including CSfC Capability Package-based solutions and integration of multiple Top Secret enclaves.
• Develop and execute the enterprise migration approach to post-quantum cryptography in accordance with NSA CNSA 2.0 timelines, including cryptographic inventory, prioritization, and vendor engagement.
• Identify, evaluate, and integrate artificial intelligence and data analytics capabilities that improve network operations, cyber defense, and decision support across the WHCA enterprise.
• Retire legacy technical debt and introduce modern engineering practices that counter adversary cyber operations and enable defensive cyber operations.
• Serve as a senior technical interface to WHCA leadership, the Task Force Lead, and government engineering staff; present technical options, risks, and recommendations to support decision-making.
• Mentor senior and journeyman engineers and review designs, accreditation artifacts, and technical deliverables for quality and compliance.
• Support Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities and security accreditation packages for systems under the SME’s technical purview.

What This Job Offers

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