SME Systems Engineer (Entra)

GovCIO; Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

GovCIO is seeking a SME Systems Engineer specializing in Identity Management (IdM) with a primary focus on Microsoft Entra to support ICAM modernization for the US Coast Guard. The role combines design, engineering and deployment of secure identity-centric access controls across legacy and modern enterprise architectures in a hybrid setting in Alexandria, VA.

Ideal candidates will hold DoD 8570 IAT Level II+, deep federated identity knowledge (SAML, OAuth, OIDC, AD/LDAP), CAC PKI experience, and

Qualifications

• DoD 8570 IAT Level II or higher certification.
• Federated identity concepts incl. SAML, OAuth, OIDC, and AD/LDAP.
• CAC and PKI certificate validation experience.
• Experience applying NIST SP 800-207 Zero Trust in enterprise networks.

Responsibilities

• Lead modernizing legacy access controls into robust ICAM solutions.
• Manage directories, federation, authentication, and SSO protocols.
• Architect identity lifecycles, provisioning workflows, and privilege controls.
• Design and deploy Zero Trust identity principles across networks.
• Configure enterprise PKI systems, credentials and authenticators.
• Implement MFA, SSO, and PAM for secure access.
• Build federated identity services for partner interoperability.
• Conduct root cause analysis, privilege audits, and performance tuning.
• Develop interfaces, architectures, data flows, and compliance docs.
• Ownership across Microsoft Entra product area including Entra ID Governance.

Skills

Federated identity

SAML

OAuth

OIDC

AD/LDAP

CAC PKI

Zero Trust

Education

High School + 10+ years exp

Tools

Microsoft Entra

Entra Connect Sync

PIM & Access Reviews

SailPoint/Okta

DigiCert

Job description

Overview

GovCIO is currently hiring a highly experienced SME Systems Engineer specializing in Identity Management (IdM) with a primary focus on the Microsoft Entra product area. This technical role supports critical Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) modernization activities for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). This position focuses on designing, engineering, and executing secure, identity-centric access control frameworks across legacy and modern enterprise architectures. This position will be located in Alexandria, VA, and will be a hybrid position.

Responsibilities

The SME Systems Engineer / ICAM Engineer will serve as a primary technical authority for the enterprise identity management and access control framework. Core responsibilities include:

• Lead Modernize legacy access controls into robust, secure ICAM solutions.
• Manage enterprise directories, federation, authentication, authorization, and SSO protocols.
• Architect identity lifecycles, user provisioning workflows, and privilege management controls.
• Design and deploy strict Zero Trust identity principles (NIST SP 800-207) across network hubs.
• Configure and manage enterprise-grade PKI systems, credentials, and authenticators.
• Implement logical and physical access control systems, including MFA, SSO, and PAM.
• Build federated identity services to enable secure interoperability with mission partners.
• Conduct technical root cause analysis, privilege audits, and system performance tuning.
• Develop custom technical interfaces, architectures, data flows, and compliance documentation.
• Provide advanced engineering and architecture ownership across the following specialization:
• Microsoft Entra (Primary Product Area: Identity Management (IdM)): Serve as the definitive technical owner for the Microsoft Entra tenant and its associated services. Architect, manage, and serve as the final escalation point for the Entra Connect Sync identity synchronization service. Own the overall design of the Entra tenant, including security policies, conditional access architecture, and integration strategies. Engineer and architect the technical implementation of Entra ID Governance, specifically Privileged Identity Management (PIM) and Access Reviews.

Qualifications

High School with 10+ years (or commensurate experience)

Required Skills & Experience

• Certifications: DoD 8570 IAT Level II or higher (e.g., Security+ CE, CySA+, or vendor-specific identity certifications).
• Deep technical understanding of federated identity concepts, including SAML, OAuth, OIDC, and Active Directory / LDAP architecture.
• Hands-on engineering experience managing Smart Card / Common Access Card (CAC) authentication and PKI certificate validation.
• Proven experience designing and applying federal Zero Trust identity guidelines (NIST SP 800-207) within enterprise networks.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Prior experience supporting U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identity management programs.
• Familiarity with integrating data governance frameworks with ICAM solutions to enforce data-level access controls.
• Direct experience with enterprise identity tools such as SailPoint, Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, Ping Identity, DigiCert, or Power BI.
• Advanced knowledge of RESTful API authorization protocols, secure gateways, and data schema security standards.

#USCG #DICE

Clearance Level: Must have an active Secret clearance

Posted Salary Range: USD $135,000.00 - USD $172,000.00 /Yr.