Explore high-level SCA Level IV/SME jobs, a critical senior cybersecurity profession within the U.S. government and defense industrial base. Professionals in these roles are recognized as Subject Matter Experts and lead authorities in the Security Control Assessment (SCA) process, a cornerstone of the Risk Management Framework (RMF). Their primary mission is to ensure the security and accreditation of complex information systems by rigorously evaluating the effectiveness of management, operational, and technical security controls. These experts provide the definitive assessment that informs Authorization to Operate (ATO) decisions, directly impacting national security infrastructure. Typical responsibilities for an SCA Level IV/SME are comprehensive and demand a strategic perspective. They conduct in-depth security assessments of information systems, reviewing System Security Plans (SSPs) and conducting on-site audits. A core duty involves authoring formal Security Assessment Reports (SARs) that detail findings, assess the severity of weaknesses, and recommend corrective actions. These SMEs guide Information System Owners through the entire A&A process, offering expert advice on compliance with stringent directives from entities like the DoD and Intelligence Community. They are also instrumental in developing and interpreting IT security policies, mentoring junior assessors, and presenting findings to senior government leadership. Their work ensures that security is integrated throughout the system development lifecycle. The skills and requirements for these senior positions are extensive. A deep, practical mastery of RMF, NIST guidelines, and relevant security control overlays is mandatory. Candidates typically possess advanced security certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CAP/CGRC, or CASP+. A STEM degree and over a decade of progressive experience in cybersecurity, with substantial hands-on SCA work, are standard prerequisites. Expertise must extend to modern architectures, including cloud security (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) and zero-trust principles. Exceptional analytical, writing, and briefing skills are essential for conveying complex risk postures. Given the sensitivity of the systems assessed, these roles universally require an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance, often with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access and polygraph. SCA Level IV/SME jobs represent the pinnacle of the security assessor career path, blending deep technical scrutiny with high-stakes risk management and governance. These professionals act as the crucial bridge between engineering teams and authorizing officials, ensuring that national security systems are resilient against evolving threats. For seasoned cybersecurity experts seeking to apply their knowledge at a strategic level, these positions offer a challenging and impactful career defending vital assets.
