Cyber Security Engineer SME - Associate Director

Job Family:
Cyber Consulting

Travel Required:
None

Clearance Required:
Active Secret

Our Cybersecurity Consultants are a team of business integrators with extensive consulting and industry experience who help our clients solve their complex business issues from strategy through execution. A career in an integrated team of developers and consultants provides the opportunity to grow and contribute to our clients' business issues every day, applying a collection of security spectrum capabilities, including security strategy and governance, IT risk, security technologies, and cybercrime and breach response.

We are seeking an experienced Cyber Security Engineer SME - Associate Director with a strong background in designing, implementing, and managing enterprise-level security solutions, particularly within federal government environments. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise across cybersecurity domains, including threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, and security architecture. This role requires a strategic thinker and hands-on practitioner who can lead security initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance with federal cybersecurity standards.

What You Will Do:

• Provide technical leadership on major cybersecurity engineering tasks across all networks and environments.
• Propose, develop, deploy, configure, operate, integrate, maintain, and support enhancements of cybersecurity capabilities including threat detection tools, traffic segmentation controls, and security infrastructure.
• Establish goals for cybersecurity tool implementation that meet project objectives.
• Direct cybersecurity engineering activities with domain expertise in multiple capability categories.
• Make critical decisions regarding cybersecurity tool selection, design, and deployment.
• Ensure cyber capabilities meet or exceed minimum standards to operate on the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN.)
• Focus areas may include: Secure Design, Tool Engineering/Lead, Cyber Incident Response Team Lead, Comply-to-Connect (C2C) Network Access Control (NAC), Data Security, Defensive Cyberspace Operations Infrastructure, Endpoint Security, Scanner Ops, Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) Implementation, Vulnerability Management Lead, DevSecOps, and various specialized tool/process engineering roles.

What You Will Need:

• Bachelor's Degree is required
• Minimum of TEN (10) years of relevant cybersecurity or IT security experience.
• An ACTIVE and CURRENT SECRET federal security clearance.
• Demonstrated expertise in enterprise security architecture, threat intelligence, and incident response.
• Mastery of of security frameworks and compliance standards (e.g., NIST, RMF SP 800-53 Rev 5, DoD 8570).
• Experience with cybersecurity platforms such as Splunk, Tenable, Palo Alto, CrowdStrike, and AWS/Azure security services.
• Experience in incident response, threat hunting, and forensic analysis.
• Experience with cloud security practices and technologies (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform).
• Demonstrated ability to be effective as a Subject Matter Expert delivering cyber theories, concepts and principles in cross-functional teams and manage complex technical projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

What Would Be Nice To Have:

• Master's Degree in relevant cybersecurity or IT field
• One or more of the following certifications:
• ISC2 Zero Trust Strategy Certificate
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Authorization Professional (CAP) / Certified in Governance, Risk and Compliance (CGRC)
• IAT Level II (Information Assurance Technical)
• IAM Level II (Information Assurance Management)
• Cloud Security Certification (AWZ, Azure, or Google)
• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as AI/ML in cybersecurity, quantum-resistant cryptography, and secure software supply chain practices.
• Experience with Zero Trust Architecture and implementation based on CISA, DOD and/or IC maturity models.

The annual salary range for this position is $149,000.00-$248,000.00. 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.

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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.