CBRN Subject Matter Expert

Systems Planning & Analysis; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Systems Planning & Analysis is seeking a CBRN Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Alexandria, VA, to support risk assessments for the Department of Homeland Security. The ideal candidate has a Master's degree and over 10 years of experience in CBRN/WMD risk. Responsibilities include advising an Operations Research team, designing models, and presenting key findings to leadership.

The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $145,000 to $175,000 annually, along with comprehensive benefits including health insurance and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in CBRNE/WMD fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in CBRN defense capabilities.
• Ability to communicate complex CBRN concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized technical expertise on CBRN/WMD risk.
• Advise OR analysts on threat pathways, agent characteristics, and detection capabilities.
• Design model structures and interpret outputs for stakeholders.

Skills

CBRN/WMD risk expertise

Homeland security

Operations research

Analytic/modeling efforts

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear‑sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of War, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID offers a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues. The Critical Infrastructure Group (CIG) within JOID provides technical, programmatic, and analytical support to customers with missions in national security, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The group brings technical and operational expertise in fields such as countering weapons of mass destruction, critical infrastructure protection, emergency response, and transportation safety. We are seeking a CBRN Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support risk assessment efforts in support of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The primary place of performance will be at SPA Headquarters in Alexandria, VA with regular visits to customer sites in VA and DC.

Responsibilities

The CBRN SME provides specialized technical expertise on CBRN/WMD risk and counterterrorism to support an Operations Research (OR) team developing models, simulations, and risk assessment tools. The role advises OR analysts on threat pathways, agent characteristics, detection and response capabilities, operational concepts, and consequence mechanisms to ensure analytic approaches and assumptions are technically valid and operationally realistic. Focus areas include program‑ and jurisdictional‑level CBRN risk and capability analysis, use of DHS risk models and related frameworks, and technical input to decision support for CWMD prevention, detection, and response programs. Works closely with the OR team to design model structures, define scenarios, select and parameterize inputs, and interpret outputs for leadership and stakeholders. Responsibilities include subject‑matter review of modeling, simulation, analysis, and visualization products; contributions to technical analyses, requirements, concepts of operation, and test documentation; and support to Verification, Validation, and Accreditation (VV&A) activities. Participates in, and when needed, leads technical portions of integrated product teams and working groups, and helps develop and review risk and gap assessment reports, a generalized jurisdictional assessment approach, monthly progress reports, and technical briefings that present key CBRN findings and recommendations to CWMD and CBP leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 10+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated subject‑matter expertise in CBRNE/WMD, including one or more of the following: chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and/or explosive threats; CBRN defense capabilities; CBRN detection and surveillance systems; and CBRN incident response and consequence management.
• Experience working with or supporting analytic/modeling efforts (e.g., operations research, risk assessment, modeling and simulation, or systems analysis), providing technical/domain input to model design, assumptions, and interpretation of results.
• Demonstrated experience in homeland security, defense, or related complex mission areas involving CBRN risk, terrorism, or counterproliferation, including program-level and/or jurisdictional-level assessments.
• Proven ability to communicate complex CBRN technical concepts clearly, both in written and verbal formats, to diverse stakeholders including OR analysts, senior government leaders, technical experts, and state and local partners.
• Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain DHS Suitability.
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Desired

• Experience providing technical CBRN support to program planning and oversight; exercise development, execution, and evaluation; system-level analysis; and system integration, including understanding of CBRN threats, vulnerabilities, and layered defense architectures.
• Familiarity with DHS risk models, CBRN models, and CBRN detection architecture concepts, and prior experience integrating these into analytic or OR tools.
• Active Top Secret clearance and/or active DHS Suitability.

Compensation and Benefits

We strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. This includes competitive base pay, variable compensation opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits program that may include health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance, and paid and unpaid time off. Salary ranges vary by experience and qualifications.

Pay Range

VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $145,000 – $175,000 per year.