Maritime Security Subject Matter Expert

About the role

This position functions as the Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) Maritime Security Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Global Threat Reduction Directorate’s Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) Program. The CTR Program builds foreign partner capacity to prevent, detect, deter, and interdict the illicit trafficking of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) materials, components including delivery systems and support equipment, and dual-use technologies that support WMD programs development, production, and operation through the enforcement of strategic trade controls at ports of entry and maritime and green borders. The Maritime Security SME provides expert advice and assistance on the full range of issues associated with maritime law enforcement (MLE) and interdiction operations for CTR engagements, including expertise in maritime security operations, equipment, techniques, tactics, and procedures related to detection and prevention of WMD proliferation. The SME validates the accuracy and completeness of vulnerability assessments and infrastructure site designs, advises on partner state security personnel training requirements for the effective operation of CTR-provided systems, and evaluates proposed training programs developed for potential use by the CTR Program.

Responsibilities

• Support CTR’s efforts to strengthen partner state capacity to identify, deter, and interdict WMD and related materials within the maritime domain of partner countries.
• Provide technical expertise on the state of treaties, international agreements, partner nation legal authorities, and the provisions of U.S. law or policy regarding WMD proliferation prevention, interdiction, and seizure in the maritime context.
• Provide expertise in equipment for maritime operations, including surveillance and communications systems, WMD detection, and personal protective equipment required for maritime operations.
• Provide expertise in MLE security operations, tools, techniques, tactics, and procedures.
• Provide technical expertise and training in maritime surveillance technologies used for increasing maritime domain awareness (MDA) and state security in the maritime domain.
• Provide expertise on the hazards of operating in the maritime domain regarding shipboard evolutions and boarding operations and the appropriate methods for mitigating those hazards.
• Provide expert advice and assistance on the full range of capabilities required for successful operations by maritime law enforcement forces for new CTR engagements.
• Validate the accuracy and completeness of vulnerability assessments and site designs and identify partner state security personnel training requirements for the effective operation of CTR-provided security systems.
• Evaluate proposed training programs developed for potential use by the CTR Program and partner countries.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 10 years of related experience
• Active Secret level clearance and U.S. citizenship required
• Ability to be on site in Lorton, VA, up to 100% of the time
• Travel, including international, up to 25% of the time (U.S. passport required)
• Experience in shipboard and patrol vessel interdiction operations
• Experience in maritime operations centers/information fusion centers
• Knowledge of international maritime law (e.g., UNCLOS, IMO)
• Knowledge of Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS)
• Experience in government consulting in CWMD or CBRN-related mission areas
• Knowledge of U.S. government agencies and organizations engaged in proliferation prevention and complementary activities, and the extent of those activities
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office tool suites
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Strong attention to detail, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Qualifications

• Top Secret / SCI level clearance
• 15+ years of previous experience in a related field
• Experience working with the interagency and international partners
• Experience with DoD policy, procedures, regulations, and organizational structures, particularly related to operations and strategy
• Past experience in consulting and/or project management
• Past experience working with and/or for the U.S. government or U.S. military
• DTRA CTR or Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) or Counter WMD experience
• Prior military or coast guard service with maritime operations experience strongly preferred

Benefits

Noblis offers health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in benefit programs; other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category.

Pay

Posted salary range: USD $115,500.00 – USD $180,525.00 per year (full-time status). Compensation is determined by factors including education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, and applicable employment laws. For part-time or on-call staff, compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked.