Communications SME

Markon Solutions; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

Markon Solutions seeks an experienced Communications Subject Matter Expert (Comms SME) to support an Intelligence Community client in Chantilly, Virginia. The role focuses on specialized technical expertise in computer network communications, cellular systems, and SIGINT to support cyber and intelligence operations.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate technologies, analyze networks, and provide technical recommendations for CNO, operational planning, and mission

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with Full Scope Polygraph (FSP) is required.
• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline (CS, CE, EE, Telecom, IT) or related field.
• 5+ years SME-level experience with computer network communications, including network architectures and protocols.
• Experience with cellular networks and telecommunications technologies.
• Experience supporting Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) operations or related mission activities.
• Knowledge of TCP/IP networking, routing, switching, and communications protocols.
• Understanding of LTE/4G/5G cellular architectures.
• Ability to analyze communications environments and identify operational considerations.
• Experience preparing technical assessments, documentation, or briefings.

Responsibilities

• Provide SME expertise in computer network communications, cellular technologies, and SIGINT-related systems.
• Analyze network architectures and telecommunications infrastructure to support technical assessments.
• Evaluate cellular network systems and identify capabilities and operational considerations.
• Support SIGINT operations through technical analysis and coordination with intelligence personnel.
• Collaborate with CNO teams, SIGINT analysts, engineers, and mission stakeholders for planning and requirements.
• Conduct research and feasibility assessments of emerging communications technologies.
• Develop technical assessments, CONOPs, and communications documentation.
• Evaluate integration of communications technologies with cyber and intelligence systems.
• Provide recommendations on network performance, connectivity, and system capabilities.
• Assist with troubleshooting, testing, and validation of communications technologies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

CNO knowledge

TCP/IP networking

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline

Tools

Python

Bash

Linux/Unix

Job description

Markon is seeking an experienced Communications Subject Matter Expert (Comms SME) to support an Intelligence Community client in Chantilly, Virginia. This position will provide specialized technical expertise in computer network communications, cellular network systems, and signals intelligence (SIGINT) to support mission-critical cyber and intelligence operations. The Communications SME will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate communications technologies, analyze network environments, and provide technical recommendations supporting cyber network operations (CNO), operational planning, and mission execution.

Communications SME Location

US-VA-McLean ID

2026-8772

Category

Information Technology

Position Type

Full-Time

Remote

No

Clearance Level

TS/SCI FS Poly

Description

Markon is seeking an experienced Communications Subject Matter Expert (Comms SME) to support an Intelligence Community client in Chantilly, Virginia. This position will provide specialized technical expertise in computer network communications, cellular network systems, and signals intelligence (SIGINT) to support mission-critical cyber and intelligence operations. The Communications SME will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate communications technologies, analyze network environments, and provide technical recommendations supporting cyber network operations (CNO), operational planning, and mission execution.

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise in computer network communications, cellular technologies, and SIGINT-related systems supporting Intelligence Community missions.
• Analyze network architectures, communications protocols, and telecommunications infrastructure to support technical assessments and operational requirements.
• Evaluate cellular network systems, including relevant technologies, network components, and communication methods, to identify capabilities and operational considerations.
• Support SIGINT operations through technical analysis, communications system assessments, and coordination with intelligence personnel.
• Collaborate with cyber network operations (CNO) teams, SIGINT analysts, engineers, and mission stakeholders to support operational planning and technical requirements.
• Conduct technical research and feasibility assessments of emerging communications technologies, commercial telecommunications capabilities, and network infrastructure.
• Analyze communications environments to identify technical dependencies, interoperability requirements, vulnerabilities, and operational constraints.
• Support the development of technical assessments, concepts of operations (CONOPs), operational briefings, and communications-related documentation.
• Evaluate the integration of communications technologies with cyber and intelligence systems to support mission objectives.
• Provide technical recommendations regarding network performance, connectivity, communications architecture, and system capabilities.
• Assist with troubleshooting, testing, and validation of communications technologies and network-related systems.
• Translate complex communications concepts into actionable technical guidance for operational teams and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Maintain awareness of emerging cellular technologies, network protocols, and communications trends relevant to Intelligence Community operations.
• Document technical findings, engineering recommendations, and lessons learned to support mission planning and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Required

• An active TS/SCI clearance with Full Scope Polygraph (FSP) is required to be considered.
• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience at the SME-level with computer network communications, including network architectures, communications protocols, and associated infrastructure.
• Experience working with cellular network systems and telecommunications technologies.
• Experience supporting Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) operations or related mission activities.
• Experience collaborating with teams conducting cyber network operations (CNO).
• Working knowledge of TCP/IP networking, routing, switching, and communications protocols.
• Understanding of cellular network architectures, including technologies such as LTE, 4G, or 5G.
• Ability to analyze technical communications environments and identify relevant operational considerations.
• Experience preparing technical assessments, documentation, or briefings supporting engineering or intelligence activities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams in secure, mission-focused environments.

Desired

• 7+ years of relevant experience in communications engineering, cellular network technologies, SIGINT operations, or related Intelligence Community activities.
• Mandarin Chinese language proficiency, particularly the ability to interpret technical terminology or communications-related materials.
• Experience supporting Intelligence Community communications or SIGINT missions, including Sponsor-specific systems and operational processes.
• Advanced understanding of cellular network technologies, including LTE, 5G, radio access networks (RAN), core network components, and telecommunications signaling.
• Familiarity with radio frequency (RF) communications, wireless protocols, and signal analysis concepts.
• Experience with network traffic analysis, packet inspection, and protocol analysis tools.
• Knowledge of telecommunications infrastructure, network security, and communications system vulnerabilities.
• Experience supporting technical targeting, communications analysis, or cyber mission planning.
• Familiarity with Linux/Unix environments and scripting languages such as Python or Bash.
• Experience developing technical CONOPs, operational assessments, or communications architecture documentation.
• Understanding of emerging communications technologies and their potential applications within cyber and intelligence missions.

Salary Range

USD $170,000.00 - USD $205,000.00 /Yr.

The Markon pay range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Overview

Eager to join a team where your skills are valued, your growth is nurtured, and your impact is profound? Look no further than Markon, a premier consulting firm deeply dedicated to advancing our nation's most critical missions.

At Markon, we don't just offer jobs - we offer opportunities for personal and professional transformation. Empowering our employees to lead, innovate, and excel, we foster an environment where new ideas are not just welcomed but celebrated. As a perennial Washington Post Top Workplace, we prioritize the well-being and success of our team members, ensuring they can bring their best selves to work.

Headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, Markon has garnered national recognition for our unwavering dedication to excellence in serving the intelligence community, as well as federal civilian and defense agencies. Our growing reach extends across 17 states, 116 countries, and 5 continents, where our team of dynamic professionals collab...