Artificial Intelligence Subject Matter Expert (SME)

@ Agile Defense

Artificial Intelligence Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Posted 3 months ago

This job is still taking applications, but it's been up a while.

About the job

Agile Defense develops innovative solutions to support national security missions. The AI SME role focuses on applying AI in cyber defense, testing, evaluating, and improving AI systems for threat detection and response. Hybrid in Reston, VA, with Top Secret clearance required.

Requirements

5+ years in ML, Data Science, or AI engineering
Experience with LLM frameworks and prompt engineering
Deep expertise in machine learning and statistical modeling
Proficiency in Python and software development
Experience with cloud AI platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP)

Qualifications

Bachelor’s in Science, Math, or related
Top Secret Clearance
Strong problem-solving skills
Ability to evaluate AI cybersecurity risks
Experience in deploying AI solutions

Full job description

About Agile Defense

At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That’s why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next.

Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility—leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation’s vital interests.

Requisition #: 1504

Job Title: Artificial Intelligence Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Job Title for Careers Page: Artificial Intelligence Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Location: Reston, VA

Clearance Level: Top Secret

SUMMARY:

The AI SME serves as the organization’s lead expert in applying Artificial Intelligence within the Security Operations Center (SOC), transforming emerging AI technologies into operational capabilities that enhance threat detection, response, and overall cyber defense.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Deliver support services related to testing, reporting, and assessing a range of AI applications.

Conduct operational testing and evaluation of AI to determine capability gaps and uncover vulnerabilities in deployed AI solutions.

Review current cyber defense posture, identify vulnerabilities to AI‑driven threats and assist in developing and implementing protective measures.

Provide SOPs, testing plans, and methodologies used, as well as reports outlining findings and actionable recommendations for remediation. This reporting shall include SOP development, identification of the methods employed, and findings accompanied by actionable corrective measures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Background, and Years of Experience:

Bachelor’s of Science, Mathematics, or equivalent experience

ADDITIONAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS Required Skills:

Top Secret Clearance

5+ years in ML, Data Science, or AI engineering; 2+ years focused on Generative AI and LLMs

Deep expertise in machine learning, deep learning, and statistical modeling 

Hands-on experience with LLM frameworks, vector databases, and prompt engineering

Advanced Python proficiency; production-grade software development experience

MLOps and cloud AI platform experience (Azure AI, AWS Bedrock, Google Vertex AI)

Proven track record taking AI solutions from PoC to production

Experience in assessing cyber risk and functionality of AI solutions

Experience in incorporating automation and artificial intelligence into cyber prpgrams

Experience with data analytic software such as Splunk, Cribl, Elastic and Sentinel

Preferred Skills:

Open-source contributions or published AI research

Experience with edge/low-latency model optimization

Certifications in AI Ethics, Responsible AI, or Cloud AI Architecture

Familiarity with adversarial AI testing and red-teaming

WORKING CONDITIONS Environmental Conditions:

Hybrid schedule in Reston, VA

Our Core Values

Employees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together. Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together.

What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are.

Happy - Be Infectious. Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.
Helpful - Be Supportive. Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.
Honest - Be Trustworthy.Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.
Humble - Be Grounded.Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task.
Hungry - Be Eager.Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.
Hustle - Be Driven.Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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