Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Bethesda, MD – Active TS/SCI Clearance with Polygra[...]

Synertex LLC; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Synertex LLC is seeking a senior Cybersecurity SME to provide expert advisory across DoD/IC missions, aligning risk, governance, and security strategy with RMF, NIST, and Zero Trust frameworks.

The role covers ATO lifecycle, security documentation, and executive-level briefings, ensuring audit readiness and continuous compliance in mission-critical environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8+ years of cybersecurity experience in DoD/IC or federal missions.
• Advise senior leadership on risk, governance and enterprise security strategy.
• Deep RMF, ATO lifecycle, and security authorization expertise.
• In-depth knowledge of NIST 800-53, NIST CSF, and Zero Trust.
• Experience with federal security programs, governance and compliance.
• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph required; US citizenship.
• Strong written and verbal communication for executive briefings.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert cybersecurity advisory support to program leadership.
• Lead RMF activities, ATO processes, control selection and packages.
• Advise on cybersecurity architecture including Zero Trust and IAM.
• Develop and maintain security documentation (SSP, POA&M, SAR, monitoring).
• Conduct risk assessments and threat analysis across enterprise environments.
• Support incident response planning and security operations improvements.
• Create cybersecurity metrics and executive briefings for leadership.
• Coordinate with government stakeholders to ensure federal compliance.
• Ensure audit readiness and continuous NIST-based compliance.
• Serve as key personnel advisor and alternate technical lead.

Skills

RMF

ATO lifecycle

NIST 800-53

NIST CSF

Zero Trust

IAM

Governance

Risk management

Federal authorization

Executive briefing

TS/SCI

Polygraph

US Citizenship

Leadership

Job description

Location: Bethesda, MD | Full-Time | On-site | Position contingent upon award

Join Synertex LLC and support a high-visibility national security program requiring advanced cybersecurity expertise in enterprise risk management, RMF, and security governance. The Cybersecurity SME serves as a senior technical authority responsible for advising on cybersecurity strategy, risk posture, authorization activities, and enterprise security governance across mission‑critical systems. This role ensures alignment with Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) security frameworks while driving secure, resilient, and compliant cyber operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide expert‑level cybersecurity advisory support to program leadership on enterprise risk, governance, and security strategy.
• Lead and support Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities, including ATO/cATO processes, security control selection, and authorization package development.
• Advise on cybersecurity architecture, including Zero Trust principles, identity and access management (IAM), segmentation, and secure access strategies.
• Support development, review, and maintenance of security documentation including SSPs, POA&Ms, SARs, and continuous monitoring plans.
• Conduct risk assessments, vulnerability analysis, and cybersecurity posture evaluations across enterprise environments.
• Support incident response planning, security operations improvements, and threat mitigation strategies.
• Develop cybersecurity metrics, dashboards, and executive‑level briefings to support leadership decision‑making.
• Coordinate with government stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable federal cybersecurity policies and directives.
• Ensure audit readiness and continuous compliance with NIST 800-53, NIST CSF, and federal security standards.
• Serve as a key personnel advisor and act as alternate technical lead when required.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 8+ years of experience in cybersecurity supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, or federal mission environments.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior leadership on cybersecurity risk, governance, and enterprise security strategy.
• Strong expertise in RMF, ATO lifecycle management, and federal security authorization processes.
• Deep knowledge of NIST frameworks (NIST 800-53, NIST CSF) and Zero Trust security principles.
• Experience with enterprise cybersecurity governance, risk management, and compliance programs.
• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph required.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to brief senior stakeholders.
• Ability to operate in high‑tempo, mission‑driven environments.

Protect critical national security systems and enable mission success through secure, resilient, and mission‑aligned cybersecurity leadership. Apply today to join Synertex LLC in supporting a critical national security program.