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SMX is seeking a highly experienced IT Subject Matter Expert (SME) / Chief Security Architect (CSA) to support a mission-critical federal program in Washington, DC. This individual will serve as the principal technical authority and strategic cybersecurity advisor responsible for leading security architecture, Risk Management Framework (RMF) implementation, authorization strategy, and AI-enabled security modernization initiatives.
The selected candidate will function as a recognized authority in cybersecurity architecture, enterprise authorization, security automation, and governance. As the Chief Security Architect, this individual will translate evolving federal cybersecurity requirements, Executive Orders, agency policies, and emerging technologies into actionable security standards, architectures, templates, and automation capabilities that improve mission outcomes.
This position will lead the design, development, and implementation of the Intelligent Authorization Platform (IAP), leveraging AI and automation technologies to accelerate RMF activities, improve authorization quality, standardize security artifacts, and reduce Authorization to Operate (ATO) timelines. The CSA will provide strategic leadership for Common Control Provider (CCP) expansion, control inheritance implementation, enterprise security architecture, and AI-assisted authorization processes while ensuring all solutions meet federal cybersecurity requirements and maintain rigorous security standards.This position will be on site in Washington DC and requires an active Top-Secret SCI clearance.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Serve as the Chief Security Architect and principal security authority supporting enterprise cybersecurity, authorization, and security modernization initiatives
Lead design, development, and implementation of the Intelligent Authorization Platform (IAP) supporting AI-assisted RMF processes and authorization workflows
Develop AI-enabled solutions to automate creation and maintenance of SSPs, SARs, POA&Ms, control narratives, evidence collection, and other RMF artifacts
Design and maintain pre-authorized baseline templates, control inheritance frameworks, reusable security packages, and authorization accelerators
Lead efforts to expand Common Control Provider (CCP) services and establish inheritance relationships within enterprise Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) platforms
Translate Executive Orders, federal cybersecurity policies, NIST guidance, and emerging security requirements into actionable architectures, standards, and implementation strategies
Develop security architectures supporting cloud, hybrid, enterprise, and shared service environments
Oversee implementation of AI, automation, and workflow technologies to ensure security rigor, auditability, transparency, and compliance
Provide technical leadership for planning, analysis, design, integration, testing, implementation, documentation, and sustainment activities
Conduct detailed assessments of cybersecurity risks, enterprise architectures, authorization strategies, and security operations
Establish quality assurance processes, review gates, and validation procedures for RMF deliverables and authorization packages
Review and approve SSPs, SARs, POA&Ms, Security Assessment Plans, authorization boundary diagrams, and other RMF documentation
Lead security architecture reviews, technical assessments, and modernization initiatives affecting enterprise systems and mission operations
Develop strategic roadmaps, implementation plans, and recommendations supporting enterprise cybersecurity objectives
Advise government leadership on cybersecurity risks, authorization strategies, AI-enabled security solutions, and enterprise security architecture decisions
Develop executive briefings, technical reports, white papers, recommendations, and presentations for senior leadership
Support incident prevention, security posture improvement, and risk mitigation activities across the enterprise
Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and oversight to cybersecurity, engineering, and RMF personnel as required
Required Skills & Experience
Active TS/SCI clearance required
Minimum of 10 years of professional experience supporting cybersecurity, security architecture, RMF, information assurance, enterprise security, or related technical disciplines
Demonstrated experience serving as a Chief Security Architect, Lead Security Engineer, ISSM, Security Architect, Security SME, or equivalent senior cybersecurity leadership role
Extensive experience implementing and managing RMF processes in accordance with NIST 800-37 and NIST 800-53
Extensive experience supporting Authorization to Operate (ATO) activities within federal government, law enforcement, intelligence community, or national security environments
Experience developing and maintaining SSPs, SARs, POA&Ms, Security Assessment Plans, authorization boundary diagrams, and related RMF artifacts
Experience developing security architectures for enterprise, cloud, hybrid, and shared-service environments
Experience supporting Common Control Providers (CCPs), control inheritance models, and enterprise security governance processes
Experience implementing security automation, workflow automation, GRC modernization, or compliance automation initiatives
Experience designing, developing, or implementing AI-enabled cybersecurity, governance, compliance, or authorization solutions
Strong understanding of AI governance, model security, explainability, auditability, and responsible AI principles
Experience translating regulatory and policy requirements into technical security standards and implementation guidance
Experience conducting security risk assessments, architecture reviews, and cybersecurity strategy development
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Experience preparing and presenting technical briefings and recommendations to executive and senior government leadership
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently while leading multiple complex initiatives simultaneously
Desired Skills & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field
Advanced degree preferred
Experience supporting FBI, Department of Justice, Intelligence Community, Department of Homeland Security, or other federal law enforcement organizations
Experience supporting enterprise GRC platforms and security workflow automation technologies
Experience supporting Zero Trust Architecture initiatives and enterprise cybersecurity modernization efforts
Experience supporting AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, or other federal cloud environments
Familiarity with Agile, SAFe, DevSecOps, and modern software development methodologies
Experience leading cross-functional technical teams and enterprise-wide modernization initiatives
One or more of the following certifications preferred:
CISSP
CAP (Certified Authorization Professional)
CCSP
CISM
AWS Certified Security – Specialty
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate
TOGAF
SABSA
PMP
SAFe Certification
Other relevant cybersecurity, cloud, architecture, or AI-related certifications
Application Deadline: 9-4-2026
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The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.
The proposed salary for this position is:
$126,100 — $212,000 USD
At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.
We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.
SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.
Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.
SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).