Zero Trust (ZT) Strategy Implementation Subject Matter Expert (SME) (TS/SCI)

Koniag Government Services, LLC•Alexandria, VA

16d•Hybrid

About The Position

Koniag IT Systems, a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Zero Trust (ZT) Strategy Implementation Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead the department's comprehensive effort to implement ZT requirements across the DoW and support KDS and our government customer. This is a Hybrid opportunity. Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance required to start. We offer competitive compensation and an extraordinary benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with company matching, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, three weeks of paid time off, and more. The Zero Trust (ZT) Strategy Implementation Subject Matter Expert (SME) will focus on the implementation and operationalization of ZT across the Department to ensure DoW's cybersecurity posture is modernized to address evolving threats and complies with the Department’s ZT Strategy, all relevant federal regulations, and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requirements. The SME will be responsible for the strategic, programmatic, budgetary, and technical implementation of ZT across the department, working collaboratively with internal stakeholders, Military Departments (MILDEPS), Joint Staff, USCYBERCOM, and other Combatant Commands (CCMDs), and external partners across the Intelligence Community (IC) and Federal Agencies. This role requires deep expertise in cybersecurity, federal regulations, technical architecture, and implementation methodologies, as well as in the Office of the Secretary of War (OSW) structure and processes, and strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred.
Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CCSP, Zero Trust-related certifications) are highly desirable.
Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in cybersecurity, with a significant focus on DoW efforts to implement new cybersecurity requirements and/or programs. (A four-year degree in an applicable technical field may be used to offset the years of experience).
Extensive experience with implementing cybersecurity in complex environments.
Proven track record of leading successful cybersecurity initiatives and projects.
Familiarity with DIB, DFARS, DOW, and IC policies, and NDAA requirements.
Deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, architecture, and technologies.
Strong knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and standards (e.g., NIST Cybersecurity Framework, RMF, FedRAMP).
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan, organize, and execute complex projects.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to engage and lead appropriately within the Senior Leadership across the department.

Nice To Haves

Experience with cybersecurity capabilities (i.e., cloud security, Identity, Credential, Access, Management, and cloud-native technologies).
Experience working with DoW, IC, and or other government agencies is highly preferred.
Knowledge of DoW and IC ZT.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and technical guidance for the development, implementation, and operationalization of the DoW's ZT strategy.
Champion the adoption of ZT principles and best practices across the department, with the Intelligence Community, other federal agencies, and external partners.
Serve as the DoW CIO's SME on all matters related to ZT implementation and governance.
Lead, develop, and implement ZT guidance and ensure alignment across the department’s policies and guidance to include, but not limited to, Defense Planning Guidance and the Capability Programming Guidance.
Lead the department’s ZT implementation efforts, including defining scope, objectives, milestones, and success.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive ZT implementation guide that aligns with DoW strategic goals, objectives, and national security priorities.
Coordinate across DoW CIO to ensure future ZT strategic priorities are implemented and adhered to, as well as assist with ZT compliance.
Track progress against the implementation roadmap and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to the CIO and senior leadership.
Coordinate with Components to develop a process to conduct ZT gap analysis, identify and ingest ZT metrics, and determine DoW trend analysis.
Develop and manage a detailed project schedule for ZT implementation, ensuring timely completion of key milestones.
Coordinate activities across DoW components, including multiple teams and organizations, to ensure alignment and avoid conflicts.
Proactively identify and mitigate risks to the ZT implementation schedule.
Oversee the technical interdependencies of ZT implementation and other cybersecurity capability requirements.
Coordinate with technical teams to evaluate and recommend ZT technologies and solutions that meet the department's specific needs.
Lead efforts across the Department to coordinate technical expertise and guidance, technical assistance and resources, risk management, and compliance for the Department’s ZT implementation.
Analyze, provide recommendations, and develop guidance to appropriately insert ZT requirements into the acquisition critical milestone decision points, and ensure cybersecurity resilience.
Provide subject matter expertise on the development of language in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to ensure compliance and implementation related to Zero Trust across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).
Collaborate and ensure ZT requirements adhere to Policy and are aligned with department-wide Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution.
Coordinate ZT implementation efforts with MILDEPS, Joint Staff, USCYBERCOM, and CCMDs, Federal and Civilian agencies, and other relevant DoW stakeholders.
Coordinate with OUSW(I&S) on engagement with Intelligence Community (IC) stakeholders to drive successful ZT implementation across the IC
Represent the DoW in inter-agency ZT working groups and forums.
Share best practices and lessons learned with other organizations to promote ZT adoption across the DoW and IC.
Lead the operationalization of ZT across the DoW, including defining roles and responsibilities, developing training programs, and establishing monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
Ensure that ZT controls are continuously monitored and improved to maintain a strong security posture.
Ensure that the DoW's ZT implementation efforts comply with all relevant requirements of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Track emerging NDAA legislation and regulations related to cybersecurity and ZT and incorporate them into the department's ZT strategy.
Assist with coordinating and organizing the department-wide ZT Integrated Product Team (GS15/O6 level) and the ZT Executive Committee (GO/FO/SES level) activities to drive the successful implementation of ZT across the department.