Cybersecurity Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) (Tech Lead)

Credence; O'Fallon (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Credence seeks a Cybersecurity Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) to support Air Combat Command and Zero Trust initiatives from Scott AFB, IL and other locations. You will bring deep DoD cybersecurity expertise, guide architecture, risk management, and governance across enterprise IT while complying with NIST RMF and DoD frameworks.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years of IT experience, active Secret clearance, and proven leadership in DoD/federal environments.

Qualifications

• Active Secret security clearance required.
• 15+ years of IT experience, including DoD/federal or Fortune 400 work.
• Hands-on with Air Force/DoD enterprise infrastructure and governance.
• Strong knowledge of NIST SP 800-53, RMF, and DoD 8500 series.
• Proven ability to lead enterprise cybersecurity projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as cybersecurity expert supporting DoD/AF programs.
• Provide strategic guidance on architecture, risk, and compliance.
• Lead and support implementation of controls per NIST/RMF/DoD.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design secure solutions.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to knowledge sharing.
• Develop policy documents, CONOPS, I-Plans, and related docs.
• Stay current on laws/regulations; update enterprise strategies.
• Provide exec briefings and metrics for ZT roadmaps and oversight.
• Coordinate with portfolio managers and government leads on ZT needs.

Skills

Cybersecurity leadership

Zero Trust concepts

NIST RMF knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT / Cybersecurity / CS

CISSP or equivalent IAT/IAM Level III

Job description

Join a team where innovation meets mission. Our AI, cloud, cyber, and modernization solutions save agencies thousands of hours, safeguard national security, and strengthen health and humanitarian missions worldwide. With more than 1,700+ team members, 1,500+ AI & data experts, and 100+ prime contracts, we deliver on a scale and with purpose.

We've been recognized as a Top Workplace by The Washington Post for six consecutive years and named to the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies in 13 of the past 14 years. Credence is a welcoming environment for those looking to grow and make a meaningful impact. We encourage employees to push boundaries and help solve critical, world-changing federal challenges.

Position Summary

Credence has an immediate need for a Cybersecurity Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) (Tech Lead) to support Air Combat Command (HQ ACC) Directorate of Cyberspace Operations and Warfighting Communications (A6) Zero Trust (ZT) Functional Management Office (FMO) at Scott AFB, IL and other locations throughout the country.

The Subject Matter Specialist will provide expert-level guidance and support for the Department of Defense (DoD) and Air Force cybersecurity initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical knowledge, strategic insight, and hands-on experience in securing enterprise-level IT infrastructures in compliance with DoD standards and frameworks.

• Serve as a cybersecurity expert supporting DoD and Air Force enterprise infrastructure and security initiatives.
• Provide strategic and technical guidance on cybersecurity architecture, risk management, and compliance.
• Interpret and apply DoD cybersecurity governance, policies, and procedures.
• Lead and support the implementation of cybersecurity controls in accordance with NIST, RMF, and DoD frameworks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess, design, and implement secure IT solutions.
• Conduct security assessments, vulnerability analysis, and incident response planning.
• Mentor junior cybersecurity staff and contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Assist in the development of policy, directives, memorandums, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), Concepts of Employment (CONEMP), Implementation Plans (I-Plans) and other documentation to support cyber security, cyber operations capability employment, governance, oversight, risk management, strategy, command and control, failover and support to sections of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST ZT guidance, DoD ZT Architecture, and other Federal Government documents and regulations.
• Assist with the development and implementation of Information Protection processes, procedures, and technology requirements, to include creating and managing a baseline configuration of technology (e.g. Enterprise IT, Weapons Systems, Industrial Control Systems), System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), configuration change control processes, and policy and regulations regarding the physical operating environment for organizational assets to achieve resilience requirements in normal and adverse situations with a focus on ZT principals and intent.
• Maintain knowledge of current guidance, policies, laws, and regulations; communicate updates and incorporate them into existing enterprise strategies affected by ZT.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and deliver Zero Trust focused cybersecurity awareness, role-based, and operational training and education, including realistic cyber training and exercise scenarios and objectives.
• Coordinate and collaborate with various portfolio managers and program offices for all systems maintained and/or used by the DAF. For new systems, advise and assist Government leads with researching and documenting ZT requirements, and validating/using data, reports, and other outputs from existing systems to define and document system ZT architecture deficiencies.
• Support the development of executive level briefings and metrics for monitoring and oversight for ZT, including reporting to Congress, Office of the Secretary of Defense, DoD, and DAF senior leaders.
• Design/develop and provide broad-based communications and change management support for program management, financial management, business process improvement, and process standardization.
• Establish and operate capabilities within ZT FMO to coordinate, track, and drive activities in support of the ZT Roadmaps and other guidance in conjunction with the Secretary of the Air Force (SAF) Office of the Chief Information Officer (SAF/CN).
• Establish capabilities to ingest strategic roadmaps, generate capability-specific Implementation Plans (I-Plans), and track milestones and deliverables in accordance with the Iplans.
• Conduct assessments of existing ZT activities and systems and provide recommendations to align to the DAF ZT Roadmap.
• Provide advice and recommendations regarding implementation/execution options and opportunities for program and capability convergence.
• Establish capability to support ZT transition activities and to integrate ZT activities into Capability Planning Guidance (CPG) implementation oversight and reporting.

Requirements

• Active Secret Security clearance
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Certifications: CISSP (Certified Information System Security Professional) or equivalent IAT/IAM Level III certification.
• Experience: Minimum of 15 years of IT experience, including:
• Providing technical expertise to the DoD, other federal agencies, or Fortune 400 organizations.
• Hands-on experience with Air Force or DoD enterprise infrastructure, governance, policies, and procedures.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53, RMF, and DoD 8500 series.
• Proven ability to lead enterprise cybersecurity projects and initiatives in complex environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep understanding of Zero Trust technologies, implementation, and integration into enterprise security architecture Certified Zero Trust Strategist (ZTS) - Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) and/or NIST Zero Trust Architecture Training and/or Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert and/or MIT xPro - Zero Trust Strategy certifications preferred
• Cloud Service Provider Security certifications preferred
• DevSecOps certification preferred
• Artificial Intelligence training or certification preferred

Why This Role Matters

Real-World Impact - Your work will support defense and health agencies where AI solutions directly contribute to national security and public well-being.

Growth-Oriented Environment - Learn from technical leaders, innovate within Agentic AI, and mentor those around you in AI best practices.

Culture of Empowerment - You'll be part of a team that values innovation, trust, collaboration, and mission success.