Principal Cyber Subject Matter Expert

Ara; Pinehurst (NC); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) seeks a Principal Cyber Subject Matter Expert to lead cyber development efforts for government agencies. You will integrate mission strategy with industry standards and emerging tech in an Agile context, delivering training and product documentation as needed.

You will join a distributed team, provide cyber management services, and drive risk-aware decisions while ensuring alignment with user requirements and technical constraints.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, OR 20 years of equivalent experience.
• Must have a Top-Secret clearance and be eligible for TS/SCI.
• Residency within 1 hour of Southern Pines, NC; telework is authorized with 16 hours on site weekly.

Responsibilities

• Test and examine deliverables, software, or network enabled devices.
• Collaborate on maintenance and feature development of proprietary software.
• Attend meetings and make recommendations regarding development.
• Provide technical oversite of projects to identify risks and mitigate them.
• Provide recommendations on industry, security and development processes and procedures.
• Advise on the development and requirements of supporting test articles and development exemplars.
• Review testing of ongoing development efforts to ensure tests meet standards.
• Provide guidance to and assist training of less experienced staff members.

Skills

Cyber development

Agile methodologies

Technical oversight

Windows

Linux

Networking concepts

Communication with stakeholders

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science / Engineering

Tools

Windows

Linux

Networking

Job description

The Principal Cyber Engineer serves primarily as a technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Cyber development efforts. This engineer has a strong understanding of the requirements capture process and the full lifecycle of technical Cyber development initiatives. Execution of these responsibilities requires the ability to develop effective solutions by synthesizing mission strategy, industry standards, processes, emerging technologies, and creative approaches to achieve program objectives.

The successful candidate will join a multi-disciplinary, distributed team and will integrate existing products, industry-standard architectural methodologies, and emerging technologies to address complex IT and Cyber challenges for our customers.

Principal Cyber Subject Matter Expert Primary Responsibilities:

The Principal Cyber Engineer will provide cyber management services to government agencies related to threats in Cyberspace Operations. The role includes managing all technical aspects of cyber development projects using Agile software development methodologies, ensuring an effective balance between user requirements and technical constraints.

This position may also develop and deliver customized training and documentation for software products. Additionally, the role involves planning and facilitating exercises focused on Cyberspace Operations in support of military operations.

Principal Cyber Subject Matter Expert Other Responsibilities:

• Test and examine deliverables, software, or network enabled devices
• Collaborate on maintenance and feature development of proprietary software
• Attend meetings and make recommendations regarding development
• Provide technical oversite of projects to identify risks and offer ways to mitigate risks
• Provide recommendations on industry, security and development processes and procedures
• Advise on the development and requirements of supporting test articles and development exemplars
• Review testing of ongoing development efforts to ensure tests meet standards
• Provide guidance to and assist training of less experienced staff members
• Must have a Top-Secret clearance and be eligible for SCI eligibility (TS/SCI)
• Minimum of 12 years experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, OR 20 years of equivalent experience
• This position requires residency within 1 hour of Southern Pines, NC
• Telework is authorized for this position. The successful candidate may work 16 hours on site each week
• Completion of a U.S. Government Cyber space Operations course or equivalent commercial training (e.g., GIAC GPEN, GXPN, or GRTP) with demonstrated hands‑on experience
• Experience leading or providing technical oversight for complex cyber or IT development efforts
• Experience with Windows, Linux, and core networking concepts (e.g., protocols, switching, routing, VPNs)

Principal Cyber Subject Matter Expert Desired Skills:

• Experience supporting cyber operations or mission-focused environments (e.g., SOCs, fusion centers)
• Experience with scripting or object‑oriented programming for cybersecurity or automation
• Understanding of cybersecurity frameworks and best practices (e.g., NIST, MITRE ATT&CK, Zero Trust)
• Experience delivering technical briefings and demonstrations to senior leaders and large technical audiences
• Experience with system integration, architecture, or interoperability of cyber capabilities
• Familiarity with cyber test and evaluation, including test articles and development exemplars
• Experience supporting cyber exercises or training events
• Knowledge of containerization, virtualization, or cloud environments
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,223 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company.

To find out more about what the Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Preferred

Bachelors or better.