Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Missile Defense

Job description

Position Overview APEX TK is seeking a highly experienced Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Missile Defense to provide critical advisory and analytical support to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in Huntsville, AL. This senior-level position requires an individual with a profound and comprehensive understanding of the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS), its constituent elements, and the strategic environment in which it operates. The ideal candidate will leverage their extensive domain knowledge to inform strategic planning, systems engineering, test and evaluation, and acquisition decisions for senior government leaders, ensuring the nation's defense against current and future ballistic and hypersonic threats. Responsibilities Provide expert technical and strategic advisory services to senior MDA leadership on all aspects of the integrated Ballistic Missile Defense System. Analyze and assess the performance, integration, and interoperability of BMDS elements, including Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD), Aegis BMD, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), and Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC). Evaluate system and component-level test results from flight tests, ground tests, and modeling and simulation (M&S) to validate capabilities and identify limitations. Author in-depth analytical reports, strategic white papers, and executive-level briefings that translate complex technical concepts into clear, concise information for decision-makers. Assess foreign missile threats and their implications for the BMDS architecture and future capability development. Support the development and refinement of operational concepts (CONOPS), system requirements documents, and long-term acquisition strategies. Represent the interests of the client in high-level technical interchange meetings, working groups, and integrated product teams (IPTs) across the defense and intelligence communities. Required Qualifications Must possess an active Top Secret security clearance. A minimum of 15 years of direct, hands-on experience in the U.S. missile defense domain. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical or scientific field (e.g., Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics). Demonstrated, in-depth subject matter expertise in the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) architecture and its primary elements (e.g., GMD, Aegis BMD, THAAD, C2BMC, space and terrestrial sensors). Proven ability to analyze complex technical and strategic problems and develop concise, actionable recommendations for senior leadership. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience briefing senior military and civilian officials. Ability to work onsite at or near the client location in Huntsville, AL. Must be a U.S. Citizen. Desired Qualifications A Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant technical or national security field. Current eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). Direct experience working within the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), a Service component (e.g., Army SMDC, Navy), or a Combatant Command (e.g., NORTHCOM, STRATCOM, INDOPACOM). Experience in specialized areas such as hypersonic missile defense, advanced sensor technology, directed energy, or modeling and simulation (M&S) for missile defense applications. Familiarity with the DoD acquisition process (DoD 5000 series) and the systems engineering lifecycle.