Network and Cybersecurity SME

Remote from: USA
Annual salary: Undisclosed
Salary information is not provided for this position. Check our Salary Directory to estimate the average compensation for similar roles.
Department: Cybersecurity
Employment type: Full Time,
Job posted: 10 Jun 2026
Apply before: 10 Jul 2026
Experience level: Senior
Views / Applies: 15 / 5

About ECS

Partnering with leading organizations to deliver powerful solutions for a complex world.

Actively Hiring

AI Summary

This Network and Cybersecurity SME role with ECS provides infrastructure support for NIH NIAID under the NEAT contract. The position requires 8+ years of experience, a bachelor's degree, and an active Public Trust clearance, with responsibilities including technical analysis, system improvements, and implementation of new technologies. The job is remote but requires residence in the DC Metro area. It emphasizes advanced problem-solving, security certifications, and expertise in multiple operating systems and programming languages. The role is contingent upon contract award.

Role DNA

Job Complexity

Easy Hard

Pace & Pressure

Relaxed Fast-paced

Autonomy Level

Guided Full Ownership

Communication Load

Independent Highly Collaborative

AI Insight The role demands 8+ years of experience, deep technical knowledge, and clearance, making it challenging but not entry-level; however, it is a SME position requiring collaboration with senior consultants.

Salary Analysis

AI Insight The salary estimate is based on market data for similar cybersecurity roles requiring a security clearance, with a median of $140,000; exact salary not provided.

Key Skills

Cybersecurity Network Engineering Security Clearance NIST Framework Firewall Management Intrusion Detection Incident Response Risk Assessment Vulnerability Management Compliance

Cover Letter Sample

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Network and Cybersecurity SME position with ECS. With over 8 years of experience in IT infrastructure and cybersecurity, including work with federal agencies, I am confident in my ability to support NIH NIAID missions effectively. My background includes implementing security solutions, managing complex networks, and holding relevant certifications such as CISSP and Security+.

I have a proven track record of analyzing and resolving sophisticated security challenges, and I am adept at collaborating with senior consultants to optimize systems. My familiarity with the DC Metro area and ability to travel as needed align with the requirements. I am eager to bring my expertise to ECS and contribute to the success of the NEAT contract.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Possible Interview Questions

Can you describe your experience with securing network infrastructure for a federal agency like NIH?

I have 8+ years of experience securing networks for federal clients, including implementing firewalls, IDS/IPS, and VPNs. For example, at my previous role, I led a project to upgrade security for a research network, ensuring compliance with NIST 800-53 and achieving zero breaches during the transition.

How do you stay current with evolving cybersecurity threats and technologies?

I regularly attend ISC2 conferences, participate in CTF challenges, and follow threat intel feeds from CISA and MITRE. I also hold certifications like CISSP and CEH, and I allocate 10 hours monthly to lab work with new tools.

Describe a time you had to analyze a complex security problem and implement a solution. What was your approach?

We faced a sophisticated APT threat targeting sensitive data. I led a threat analysis, identified gaps in segmentation, and deployed a zero-trust architecture with micro-segmentation. The solution reduced attack surface by 40% and passed subsequent audits.

How would you approach integrating new technologies into the existing NIH environment while minimizing disruption?

I would first conduct a thorough impact analysis, then stage the deployment with a phased rollout using pilot groups. Collaboration with NIH IT teams and clear communication of maintenance windows would be key. I also emphasize testing in a sandbox before production.

What is your experience with government security clearance processes and handling classified information?

I hold an active Public Trust clearance and have previously worked with CUI and PII. I strictly adhere to NIST guidelines, use approved encryption, and ensure all team members are trained on data handling policies. I have also assisted in audits for clearance renewals.

ECS is seeking an experienced Network and Cybersecurity SME to work remotely providing infrastructure support for the work performed under this contract for NIH NIAID Enabling and Advancing Technologies (NEAT). All other tasks are intended to facilitate the implementation and operation of Network and Cybersecurity. This engagement supports current and future technologies including evaluating, planning for, and implementing new technologies in the NIAID and NIH environment in response to changing business strategies, policy, and regulatory changes.

Please Note: This position is contingent upon [contract win].

The Network and Cybersecurity SME will provide technical knowledge and analysis of highly specialized applications and operational environment, high-level functional systems analysis, design, integration, documentation and implementation advice on moderately complex problems.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide technical knowledge and analysis of highly specialized applications and operational environment, high-level functional systems analysis, design, integration, documentation and implementation advice on moderately complex problems that require an appropriate level of knowledge of the subject matter for effective implementation.
Apply principles, methods and knowledge of the functional area of capability to specific task order requirements, advanced mathematical principles and methods to exceptionally difficult and narrowly defined technical problems in engineering and other scientific applications to arrive at automated solutions.
Assist other senior consultants with analysis and evaluation and with the preparation of recommendations for system improvements, optimization, development, and/or maintenance efforts in the following specialties: information systems architecture, networking; telecommunications, automation; communications protocols, risk management/electronic analysis, software; lifecycle management, software development methodologies, and modeling and simulation.

Qualifications

Minimum 8 years of experience supporting IT infrastructure, systems, and applications, including support teams and ensuring quality of service operations.
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Security or related field.
Active Public Trust or higher security clearance.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate complex security challenges and develop effective solutions.
Relevant certifications such as PMP, ITIL v4 Foundation, SAFe, COMP, Security+, CompTIA, etc.
Demonstrated expertise in database management, various operating systems (Windows, Linux, etc.), and multiple programming languages (Java, Python, SQL, etc.).
Reside within the Washington DC Metro area.
Travel within the Washington DC Metro Area, and CONUS as needed.

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