Senior Cybersecurity SME (UAS / Aviation Programs)

Overview

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.

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

Qualifications

• 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

Desired/Preferred:

• 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/Skills

• 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Regular i3 hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, however, additional hours may be required on occasion. Regular and punctual attendance is required.

About i3

i3 is a technically diverse, 100% team member owned business, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama specializing in missile and aviation systems engineering and logistic services, electronic warfare and electromagnetic effects analysis, UAS system integration and flight operations, full lifecycle C5ISR engineering services, cybersecurity and IT/IA innovative solutions and virtual training, simulation & serious game development and implementation. We have established a broad offering of products and capabilities collectively providing decades of experience supporting the full complement of DoD military services, Missile Defense Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and a variety of other Government organizations and private industry customers.

Perks of being a team member owner include:

• Long-term financial security
• Higher job satisfaction
• Greater job security
• Personal and professional growth
• Great company culture

Other outstanding benefits:

• Excellent insurance coverage
• 401(k) match
• Generous PTO
• Health and wellness incentives
• Tuition and certification reimbursement
• Countless opportunities to give back to the community through i3 Cares

We work hard. We compete hard. We play hard. Apply now to join us!