Technical SETA SME – AI Security

Guidehouse; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 113,000 - 188,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Guidehouse is seeking an experienced Technical SETA in Bethesda to support AI/ML security across the lifecycle of federal research programs. The role requires attending meetings, workshops, and testing events as a SME, specializing in AI security and governance.

Qualified candidates will have 8+ years in STEM with strong cybersecurity, AI/ML security, and data governance expertise, plus experience with NIST AI RMF and AI risk assessment. 5-days on client site in Bethesda, MD.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, mathematics, computer science, cybersecurity, or related fields; Master’s may substitute for two years of experience.
• Eight or more years in STEM fields with cybersecurity and AI/ML security experience.
• Deep knowledge of AI/ML security principles, adversarial threats, and AI governance concepts.
• Experience with secure data architectures and large-scale analytics pipelines.
• Familiarity with NIST AI RMF and related guidance; AI red-teaming and risk assessment experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide SME support across the research program lifecycle from development to transition.
• Attend meetings, workshops, and testing events as the Subject Matter Expert.
• Serve as AI security SME focusing on AI/ML systems, threat vectors, and governance.

Skills

AI/ML security

Cybersecurity

Adversarial ML

Data governance

Secure data pipelines

Project planning

Leadership

Python

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Math/Physics

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Python

LLMs

Cybersecurity tooling

Job description

Job Family

Data Science & Analysis (ESA)

Travel Required

Up to 10%

Clearance Required

Active Top Secret SCI with Polygraph

What You Will Do

The Technical SETA will provide support in the execution of the lifecycle of a research program from development, source selection, execution, closeout, and transition. The Technical SETA will be responsible for attending meetings, workshops, conferences, and testing events as the Subject Matter Expert.

In this role, the Technical SETA will serve as the Subject Matter Expert in AI Security, with specialization in AI/ML systems, adversarial threats, and machine learning engineering using Artificial Intelligence.

This role requires 5-days a week on client site in Bethesda, MD.

What You Will Need

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, mathematics, computer science, cybersecurity, or relevant engineering fields (electrical, computer, systems, software). A Master’s degree may be used in lieu of TWO (2) years of relevant work experience.
• EIGHT (8) or more years of work experience in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics field.
• Experiences should include, but not be limited to:
• Progressive experience in cybersecurity with significant demonstrated experience in AI/ML security, data science security, or a closely related field within a federal government or large enterprise environment
• Expert‑level knowledge of AI/ML security principles, adversarial ML concepts, and AI‑specific threat vectors including model poisoning, adversarial attacks/evasion, model inversion, and data integrity threats
• Understanding of secure data architectures and pipelines for large‑scale analytics/intelligence production
• Familiarity with AI governance, data quality, and mission assurance in operational settings
• Demonstrated familiarity with federal AI governance frameworks and requirements, including NIST AI RMF, Executive Order 13960, Executive Order 14110, and other AI memoranda and guidance
• Experience with AI red teaming, adversarial robustness testing, or AI penetration testing methodologies
• Experience creating program plans, work breakdown structures, and milestone schedules

What Would Be Nice To Have

• Master’s degree or PhD in cybersecurity, physics, mathematics, computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, or relevant engineering fields (electrical, computer, systems, software) with FOUR (4) or more years of work experience
• Prior experience serving as an AI security SME or advisor supporting a federal civilian agency
• Experience in the Intelligence Community (IC), including requirements, CONOPS, and transition
• Experience managing a multi‑disciplinary R&D or T&E team
• Experience as a Project Manager or Deputy Project Manager
• Experience using LLMs and agentic tools in your daily workflows
• Experience using Python, common deep learning frameworks, LLM software infrastructure, and cybersecurity tooling
• Ability to proactively manage multiple, concurrent tasks
• One or more of the following certifications: CISSP, CISM, CAISS, or equivalent senior‑level cybersecurity certification, supplemented by demonstrated AI/ML security expertise
• Excellent writing and editing skills, including the ability to develop succinct, comprehensive, and understandable documents using complex data from multiple sources
• Excellent slide development and PowerPoint skills, with the ability to visually communicate complex ideas at a high level for technically savvy but non‑expert audiences

The annual salary range for this position is $113,000.00-$188,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

What We Offer

Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Student Loan PayDown
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Employee Referral Program
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
• Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
• Mobility Stipend

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer–Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at [e-mail] . All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.

Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.