Behavioral SME (Active TS, SCI eligibility)

Akima; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 220,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Job summary

A leading defense consulting firm is looking for an experienced Behavioral Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Washington, D.C. This role involves supporting HUMINT operations by conducting behavioral assessments, analyzing sources, and providing operational insights. The ideal candidate will have a Master's or doctoral degree in behavioral psychology, at least 20 years of relevant experience, and an active Top Secret security clearance. A comprehensive benefits program is included, highlighting the importance of psychology in mission operations.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship and an active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility is mandatory.
• 20 years of general experience with 15 years specialized in psychological assessments.
• Knowledge of applied behavior analysis and the ability to conduct psychological assessments.

Responsibilities

• Support mission teams with psychological expertise.
• Conduct behavioral research to inform HUMINT operations.
• Evaluate sources through behavioral assessments.
• Prepare concise reports translating psychological concepts.

Skills

Behavioral analysis

Psychological testing

Analytical skills

Behavioral assessments

Complex environment adaptation

Education

Master's or doctoral degree in behavioral psychology

Job description

Suvi is seeking an experienced psychology professional to join our team as a Behavioral Subject Matter Expert (SME). In this role, you will provide expertise in behavioral assessment, psychological analysis, and mission‑focused support for Human Intelligence (HUMINT) operations. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and experience working in complex or ambiguous environments.

Responsibilities

• Support Mission Teams
  • Participate in briefings and cross‑functional meetings, offering psychological expertise that informs operational planning.
  • Provide timely updates, insights and recommendations to leadership.
• Conduct Behavioral Research & Analysis
  • Analyze information from diverse sources to support HUMINT targeting and operational decision‑making.
  • Assess the accuracy and relevance of available information and offer well‑reasoned recommendations, even in fast‑moving or ambiguous situations.
  • Administer and interpret psychological tests and produce integrated behavioral assessments.
• Evaluate Sources
  • Conduct operational and behavioral assessments of human sources to support suitability, tasking, and risk evaluations.
  • Review case files, interviews, investigative reports, and background information to understand behavioral patterns and motivations.
  • Identify key personality traits, strengths, vulnerabilities, and indicators of reliability or risk.
  • Provide clear guidance to case agents and source handlers based on psychological findings.
• Communicate Clearly
  • Prepare concise, well‑structured reports and assessments for operational use.
  • Translate complex psychological concepts into practical, mission‑focused recommendations.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship.
• Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Master's or doctoral degree from an accredited institution with specialization in behavioral psychology.
• At least 20 years of general experience, including 15 years of specialized experience in direct and indirect psychological assessments as tasked by HUMINT targeting.
• Knowledge and practice of applied behavior analysis.
• Ability to administer and interpret psychological tests, prepare and conduct behavioral assessments.
• Ability to integrate knowledge of a source’s background and personality into a formal written operational/behavioral assessment.
• At least 4 years of FBI or IC experience working with relevant source and case files, including utilization of advanced source vetting and validating tools.
• At least 4 years of experience working with FBI or IC sources and expertise in assessing a source’s psychological strengths and vulnerabilities.

Job Details

Job ID: 2026-22490

Work Type: On‑Site

Pay Range: $220,000-$240,000

Benefits

The company offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) and a range of other voluntary benefits. Paid Time Off (PTO) is offered to regular full‑time and part‑time employees.