AI Subject Matter Expert

Nightwing; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 253,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401k plan

PTO

Holidays

Additional insurances

Job summary

Nightwing in the United States (Sterling, VA) seeks an AI Subject Matter Expert to bridge AI innovation and cyber defense operations. Define strategic AI-enabled security capabilities and evaluate AI/ML use cases for threat detection, incident response, and security operations.

You will collaborate with data science, security operations, and infrastructure teams, develop roadmaps, ensure alignment with risk posture, and manage complex projects while meeting security, privacy, and compliance

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship and an active TS/SCI clearance are required.
• Strong background in cybersecurity and AI/ML for security tasks.
• Proven experience in project/program management with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Define strategic AI-enabled security capability roadmaps aligned with risk posture.
• Identify and evaluate AI/ML use cases for cyber defense and incident response.
• Collaborate with data science, security operations, and infrastructure teams on architecture.

Skills

US Citizenship

Active TS/SCI clearance

DHS Suitability

AI/ML experience

Cybersecurity

Project management

Security operations

MITRE ATT&CK

Jira / MS Project

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering / CS / Cybersecurity

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Jira

MS Project

Asana

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges.

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization.

Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Nightwing is supporting a U.S. Government customer to provide for onsite incident response to civilian Government agencies and critical asset owners who experience cyber-attacks, providing immediate investigation and resolution.

Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize the severity of breaches, develop mitigation plans, and assist with the restoration of services.

Nightwing is seeking an AI Subject Matter Expert who bridges the gap between artificial intelligence innovation and practical cyber defense operations. This role requires a unique blend of AI expertise, cybersecurity knowledge, and project management capabilities to drive the strategic adoption of AI technologies in our security infrastructure.

Job Responsibilities

• Define strategic vision for AI-enhanced security capabilities aligned with organizational risk posture
• Identify and evaluate AI/ML use cases for cyber defense, threat detection, incident response, and security operations
• Assess emerging AI technologies for applicability to security challenges including anomaly detection, threat intelligence, and automated response
• Stay current on AI threat landscape, including adversarial AI and AI-powered attacks
• Bridge communication between technical teams, security operators, and business stakeholders
• Evaluate complex security challenges and identify AI-appropriate solutions
• Translate cybersecurity requirements into AI solution specifications
• Evaluate AI/ML platforms, tools, and vendors for security applications
• Define and advocate for AI prototyping or piloting initiatives as risk reduction measures
• Collaborate with data science, security operations, and infrastructure teams on solution architecture
• Develop comprehensive roadmaps for AI cybersecurity initiatives with clear milestones and dependencies
• Ensure AI roadmaps align and tie into broader organizational roadmaps and strategies
• Create detailed project schedules, resource plans, and budget estimates
• Manage cross-functional implementation teams including security analysts, data scientists, and engineers
• Track project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies
• Facilitate stakeholder communication and executive reporting on AI security initiatives
• Coordinate with stakeholders and workstreams to address use cases and inform strategy
• Ensure AI implementations meet security, privacy, and compliance requirements
• Understand model training, validation, and deployment pipelines in security contexts
• Conduct readiness assessments for AI adoption within security operations
• Design change management strategies for AI tool integration into existing workflows
• Develop success metrics and KPIs for AI security implementations
• Create documentation, training materials, and knowledge transfer programs

Required Skills

• Must be a US Citizen
• Must have an active TS/SCI clearance
• Must be able to obtain DHS Suitability
• 10+ years of directly relevant experience
• 5+ years of experience in cybersecurity or related technical roles
• 3+ years working with AI/ML technologies or data-driven security solutions
• 3+ years in project/program management or technical leadership roles
• Ability to envision long-term AI security capabilities and create actionable paths forward
• Understanding of machine learning fundamentals, neural networks, natural language processing, and AI model lifecycle
• Adaptability and ability to navigate rapidly evolving AI and threat landscapes
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Strong knowledge of security operations, threat landscape, defense frameworks (MITRE ATT&CK), SIEM/SOAR platforms, and security architecture
• Familiarity with use cases such as behavioral analytics, threat hunting, malware analysis, phishing detection, and vulnerability management
• Proven experience developing roadmaps and managing complex technical projects
• Proficiency with project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, hybrid approaches)
• Strong skills in resource planning, schedule development, and stakeholder management
• Experience with project management tools (Jira, MS Project, Asana, or similar)

Desired Skills

• Experience Securing AI system, using AI in defensive system operations (e.g., SOC), and thwarting AI enabled attacks
• Background in data engineering, security analytics, or threat intelligence
• Familiarity with cloud security platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Knowledge of AI governance, ethics, and responsible AI principles
• Understanding of regulatory requirements (GDPR, CCPA, industry-specific frameworks)
• Experience with automation and orchestration platforms

Desired Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or related field (Master's Degree preferred)

Desired Certifications

CISSP, CISM, PMP, PMI-ACP, or AI/ML certifications

Syndeo: ESS-3683 Salary & Benefits

The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise.

Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.

Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

Previously part of a leading Fortune 100 company and headquartered in Dulles, VA; Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation’s most mission impactful initiatives.

When we formed Nightwing, we brought a deep set of credentials and an unfaltering commitment to the mission. For over four decades, our team has been providing some of the world’s most technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence support services to the U.S. government on its most important missions.

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.