Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Akima; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Job summary

Akima Mission Optimization (AMO), an Akima company, is seeking a Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the DOE OCIO mission by applying advanced technical expertise to assess controls, guide decision-making, and strengthen enterprise cybersecurity posture.

The role requires 8–10 years in cybersecurity, strong knowledge of RMF/SP 800-53, and proficiency in mathematics, statistics, and modeling. Remote work is supported with opportunities to influence national security objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or four (4) years of equivalent professional experience.
• 8–10 years of experience in cybersecurity, cyber operations, cyber risk analysis, modeling and simulation, or related technical fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more specialized cybersecurity domains (risk analysis, forensics, reverse engineering, cyber hunt, etc.).
• Advanced proficiency in mathematics, statistical analysis, operational modeling, engineering methods, or scientific computing.
• Strong understanding of federal cybersecurity frameworks, including NIST RMF and NIST SP 800-53.
• Proven ability to solve highly complex problems, interpret technical data, and develop actionable security recommendations.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to cybersecurity strategy, policy, or program development.
• Strong written communication skills, especially in preparation of technical reports, assessment documentation, and strategic papers.
• Ability to complete a DOE background investigation and obtain government clearance for access to federal systems.
• Ability to obtain DOE Q Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Assess security and privacy controls for effectiveness and alignment with DOE requirements.
• Provide expert analysis on deficiencies and remediation strategies.
• Prepare assessment reports with findings, risk evaluations, and recommendations for senior stakeholders.
• Reassess remediated controls to validate effectiveness.
• Evaluate system-specific and inherited controls for continuous monitoring.
• Contribute insights into performance metrics and enterprise cybersecurity initiatives.
• Analyze complex interactions to support decision-making and resource allocation.
• Develop modeling and simulation-based decision-support solutions.
• Support design, testing, and implementation of modeling systems.
• Serve as an expert in Cyber Risk Analysis, Cyber Forensics, Reverse Engineering, and Cyber Hunt Operations.

Skills

Cybersecurity expertise

NIST RMF & NIST SP 800-53 knowledge

Strong written communication

Complex problem solving

DOE background investigation ability

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or four (4) years of equivalent professional experience

Job description

The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) enables the Department of Energy (DOE) mission through the implementation of enterprise-wide policies, standards, and IT services that support mission needs, strengthen cybersecurity, balance risk with innovation, and ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. The OCIO is dedicated to advancing cybersecurity maturity across the Department by enhancing IT service delivery, optimizingperformance, and proactively protecting DOE information systems.

The Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert (SME) plays a critical role in supporting this mission by applying advanced technical expertise, analytic capabilities, and domain-specific knowledge to assess cybersecurity controls, guide strategic decision-making, resolve complex security issues, and strengthen DOE’s enterprise cybersecurity posture.

Responsibilities

Assessment & Authorization–Aligned Duties

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of security and privacy controls todeterminetheir effectiveness, including correct implementation, operational behavior, and alignment with DOE security and privacy requirements.
• Provide expert analysis on deficienciesidentifiedduring control assessments,determiningseverity, mission impact, andappropriate remediationstrategies.
• Prepare detailed assessment reports outlining findings, risk evaluations, and recommendations, and present results to Team Leaders and senior stakeholders.
• Reassessremediatedcontrols tovalidatethat corrective actions are effective and sustainably implemented.
• Evaluate system-specific and inherited controls as part of DOE’s continuous monitoring strategy.
• Contribute expert insight into performance metrics, deliverables, and enterprise-level cybersecurity improvement initiatives.

Advanced SME Duties

• Analyze complex operational interactions across military, governmental, or business systems to provide a quantitative and rational basis for cybersecurity-related decision-making and resource allocation.
• Utilize advanced modeling, simulation, statistical analysis, engineering techniques, and operational mathematics to develop sophisticated solutions for cybersecurity and information assurance challenges.
• Support requirements development, conceptualization, design, testing, verification/validation, documentation, and implementation of modeling and simulation-based decision-support systems.
• Serve as a recognized expert in specialized domains such as:
  • Cyber Risk Analysis
  • Cyber Forensics
  • Reverse Engineering
  • Cyber Hunt Operations
• Provide high-level technicalexpertisein all aspects of cybersecurity, information assurance, and cyber operations.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve complex cybersecurity issues spanning multiple domains and operational environments.
• Assistsenior OCIO staff in shaping enterprise cyber strategy, informing policy development, and contributing to strategic cybersecurity initiatives.
• Provide expert input to white papers, position papers, and documentation supporting DOE cyber policy, priorities, and modernization efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree orfour (4) years of equivalent professional experience.
• 8–10 years of experience in cybersecurity, cyber operations, cyber risk analysis, modeling and simulation, or related technical fields.
• Demonstratedexpertisein one or more specialized cybersecurity domains (risk analysis, forensics, reverse engineering, cyber hunt, etc.).
• Advancedproficiencyin technical disciplines such as mathematics, statistical analysis, operational modeling, engineering methods, or scientific computing.
• Strong understanding of federal cybersecurity frameworks, including NIST RMF and NIST SP 800-53.
• Proven ability to solvehighly complexproblems, interpret technical data, and develop actionable security recommendations.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to cybersecurity strategy, policy, or program development.
• Strong written communication skills, especially in preparation of technical reports, assessment documentation, and strategic papers.
• Ability to complete a DOE background investigation and obtain government clearance for access to federal systems.
• Ability to obtain DOE Q Clearance.

Job ID

2026-25984

Work Type

Remote

Pay Range

$160,000 - $170,000

Benefits

Regular - 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.

Company Description

Work Where it Matters

Akima Mission Optimization (AMO), an Akima company, is not just another federal logistics contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.

At AMO, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.

For our shareholders, AMO provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.

For our government customers, AMO delivers innovative administrative support services that streamline operations, and enhance productivity.

As an AMO employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.