Principal Technical Advisor SME

Zantech; United States; Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Zantech is seeking a Principal Technical Advisor (SME) to lead performance management and technology modernization for a DHS-focused federal program. This hybrid role is based out of Ashburn, VA and involves strategic oversight with government stakeholders.

The candidate will have 15+ years in Federal IT modernization, PMP and cloud/AI certifications, U.S. citizenship, and the ability to obtain DHS clearance, advising on scalable, high-value solutions and leading rapid prototyping initiatives.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in IT, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance in performance management oversight with KPIs and SLAs.
• Identify and demonstrate technology modernization approaches including cloud, AI/ML, and intelligent automation.
• Lead rapid prototyping, proofs-of-concept, and testing to inform government decisions.
• Assess feasibility, risks, security considerations, and transition approaches for modernization initiatives.

Skills

Federal IT modernization

Data-driven KPI/SLAs

Leadership

Cloud architecture

AI/Automation

Rapid prototyping

Technical leadership

Education

BA/BS in IT or related field

Job description

Are you looking for your next challenge? Are you ready to work with a performance-based small company? At Zantech, we are a dynamic Woman Owned Small Business focused on providing complex, mission-focused solutions with a proven track record of outstanding customer performance and high employee satisfaction.

Zantech is looking for a talented Principal Technical Advisor (SME) to contribute to the success of our upcoming Operations and Program Management Support Services project for a Hybrid role based out of Ashburn, VA.

The Contractor shall provide a Principal Technical Advisor who serves as the senior-most subject matter expert for both performance management and technology innovation. This individual is responsible for providing the Government with objective analysis of the integrator's

performance and advising on forward-looking technology strategies to enhance efficiency and mission capability. This SME is not responsible for the IT service delivery lifecycle itself.

Instead, their role is to provide strategic oversight, technical validation, and innovation leadership from the Government's perspective, ensuring that both current operations and future modernization efforts deliver maximum value.

Key Responsibilities:

• Performance Management and Oversight:
  • Provide expert guidance in developing meaningful KPIs and SLAs to measure integrator performance, focusing on value, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with Government objectives.
  • Analyze technical, financial, and operational data to evaluate performance against baselines, identify trends, and surface risks or opportunities for improvement.
  • Translate complex performance data into clear, data-informed recommendations for Government governance bodies.
• Technology Modernization and Innovation Strategy:
  • Identify, evaluate, and demonstrate technology-enabled approaches (including cloud, AI/ML, and intelligent automation) that improve mission performance and operational efficiency. CBP/SAS/BEMSD/Service Delivery and Resource Allocation Management Support
  • Advise executive stakeholders by translating complex technical concepts into actionable options, shaping scalable, low-risk solutions that align with Government priorities and operational realities.
  • Lead rapid prototyping, proofs-of-concept, and other innovation activities to test and validate potential solutions before broader commitment.
  • Assess the technical feasibility, risks, dependencies, security considerations, and transition approaches associated with new modernization initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in IT, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • Fifteen (15) or more years of experience in Federal IT modernization, technology management, software engineering, cloud architecture, and/or IT performance management.
  • Ten (10) or more years of experience providing technical leadership for medium or large multi-task projects of high complexity in a Federal environment.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and implementing data-driven performance management frameworks (KPIs, SLAs) for large-scale IT service contracts.
  • Demonstrated experience leading or advising on cloud, platform, or application modernization efforts, including technical strategy and software development.
  • Proven experience applying intelligent automation, AI-enabled capabilities, and data analytics to improve workflows and decision support.
  • Experience leading rapid prototyping or proof-of-concept development to inform Government acquisition or modernization decisions.
• Certifications:
  • Possess an active Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
  • Possess one or more relevant professional certifications in cloud architecture, agile delivery, or platform engineering (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect, SAFe Agilist, or equivalent).
• Security: Experience supporting DHS or other homeland security, law enforcement, or Federal civilian mission environments is preferred.

Required Security Clearance:

• US Citizenship
• Active Secret or higher clearance, per contract requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DHS clearance is required; active DHS CBP clearance is preferred

Outstanding Performance…Always!

Our corporate motto represents our commitment to build long-term relationships with both our clients and our employees by providing the highest quality service in everything we do. We strive for excellence for our clients and for each other. We embrace the opportunity to hire individuals with new talents and fresh perspectives. Zantech offers competitive compensation, strong benefits, and a vacation package, as well as a fast-paced and exciting work environment.