Technical SME / Innovation Lead

ICF • Washington, DC

2d • $108,006 - $183,610 • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is contingent upon contract award. The Company At ICF, we are driven by the opportunity to solve complex challenges that matter. Our teams combine expertise in science, technology, analytics, and program management to help government clients tackle critical national priorities. We are fearless in exploring new ideas, relentless in delivering results for our clients, and committed to making a meaningful impact. Our multidisciplinary teams collaborate to develop innovative solutions that strengthen communities, improve government operations, and enhance national security. The Opportunity We are seeking a Technical SME / Innovation Lead to support a science and technology office within a federal national security agency. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of innovation, science, and national security. The federal science and technology organization leads the development and evaluation of emerging technologies that strengthen the nation’s ability to respond to evolving threats. As a Technical SME / Innovation Lead, you will provide subject matter expertise to support programs that help move these technologies from research to operational use across a federal national security environment. The Role You will join a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, analysts, and program professionals supporting federal research and innovation portfolios. These programs span areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data science, biometrics, modeling and simulation, and other emerging technologies. As a Technical SME / Innovation Lead, you will provide technical expertise and strategic guidance across federal science and technology programs. You will work closely with government program managers, technical experts, and research teams to evaluate emerging technologies, support technical assessments, and help guide innovation initiatives that advance national security mission priorities.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience providing technical expertise related to emerging technologies or scientific research programs
• 8+ years of experience supporting technical analysis, research initiatives, or technology evaluation activities
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Federal Public Trust clearance
• U.S. Citizenship is required (required by the federal government for this position)

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, data science, physics, cybersecurity, or a related technical field
• Advanced degree in science, engineering, technology, or a related field
• Experience supporting federal programs, preferably in technology, research, or innovation environments
• Experience supporting federal research and development organizations
• Familiarity with research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) programs
• Expertise in emerging technology areas such as AI/ML, cybersecurity, biometrics, data analytics, or modeling and simulation
• Experience supporting technology innovation programs or government research initiatives
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise supporting scientific and technical initiatives within a federal research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) portfolio
• Conduct technical assessments and analysis of emerging technologies relevant to national security mission needs
• Support evaluation, testing, and transition of innovative technologies across federal programs
• Provide technical guidance to program managers and project teams on research initiatives and emerging capabilities
• Support development of technical briefings, reports, and recommendations for government stakeholders
• Participate in technical reviews, workshops, and program discussions across federal research programs
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to assess technical risks, opportunities, and implementation approaches
• Assist with identifying technology trends and innovation opportunities that support operational priorities

What This Job Offers

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