SME Instructional System Designer

DarkStar Intelligence LLC.; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

DarkStar Intelligence is seeking a skilled tradecraft trainer to support ODNI/NCTC missions. The role focuses on delivering advanced CT training, developing analyst capabilities across identity intelligence, targeting, and all-source analysis, and ensuring course content remains aligned with IC standards.

You will work with SMEs, manage content updates, and incorporate real-world case studies to strengthen practical skills.

Qualifications

• TS/SCI CI poly clearance required.
• Demonstrated leadership in technical/management tasks.
• Experience directing large tasks with budgeting and staffing.
• Industry-recognized leader with domain knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Delivers tradecraft training to NCTC/DII personnel, building advanced analytic and operational skills in CT-specific tradecraft areas including identity intelligence, targeting, and all-source analysis.
• Facilitates tradecraft courses that develop analyst proficiency in source evaluation, analytic line development, collection management, and CT-specific methodologies.
• Coordinates with the Tradecraft Curriculum Manager to ensure training content is current, accurate, and aligned with IC analytic standards and NCTC tradecraft requirements.
• Incorporates real-world CT case studies and mission scenarios into tradecraft instruction to enhance practical skill development.
• Collects and analyzes learner feedback, providing recommendations to the Tradecraft Curriculum Manager for curriculum improvements.
• Coordinates with SMEs across NCTC mission divisions to ensure tradecraft content reflects current operational requirements and best practices.
• Supports the Tradecraft Reviewer in aligning tradecraft training with craft evaluation findings and improvement recommendations.

Skills

Tradecraft training

Analytic skills

Curriculum development

Leadership

Job description

Description

DarkStar Intelligence is looking to support ODNI. The ODNI and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) are the lead integrators and voices that unify counterterrorism (CT) intelligence for the homeland and abroad. ODNI and NCTC lead and integrate the national CT effort by fusing foreign and domestic CT information, providing terrorism analysis, sharing information with partners across the CT enterprise, and driving whole-of-government action to secure our national CT objectives.

Note: This position is contingent upon contract award

Responsibilities

• Delivers tradecraft training to NCTC/DII personnel, building advanced analytic and operational skills in CT-specific tradecraft areas including identity intelligence, targeting, and all-source analysis.
• Facilitates tradecraft courses that develop analyst proficiency in source evaluation, analytic line development, collection management, and CT-specific methodologies.
• Coordinates with the Tradecraft Curriculum Manager to ensure training content is current, accurate, and aligned with IC analytic standards and NCTC tradecraft requirements.
• Incorporates real-world CT case studies and mission scenarios into tradecraft instruction to enhance practical skill development.
• Collects and analyzes learner feedback, providing recommendations to the Tradecraft Curriculum Manager for curriculum improvements.
• Coordinates with SMEs across NCTC mission divisions to ensure tradecraft content reflects current operational requirements and best practices.
• Supports the Tradecraft Reviewer in aligning tradecraft training with craft evaluation findings and improvement recommendations.

Requirements

• TS/SCI CI poly clearance
• Recognized industry leader.
• Provides technical/management leadership on major tasks; establishes goals and plans; has domain and expert technical knowledge.
• Directs and controls activities with overall responsibility for financial management, methods, and staffing.

Who We Are

DarkStar Intelligence delivers mission-critical support to national security operations across intelligence, cybersecurity, technology, and operational support domains. We partner with government customers to strengthen decision advantage, enhance operational readiness, and advance mission success in complex and evolving threat environments.

Why Work at DarkStar?

At DarkStar Intelligence, you’ll contribute directly to high-impact national security missions while growing your professional capabilities in a collaborative, performance-driven environment. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for continuous development within a mission-focused team culture.

ADA Accommodations Statement

DarkStar Intelligence is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

DarkStar Intelligence is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.

E-Verify Participation

DarkStar Intelligence participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees in accordance with applicable law.

Benefits Overview

DarkStar Intelligence offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan options
• Professional development and training opportunities