Principal Technical Advisor (SME)
Zantech
Apply to this jobAre you looking for your next challenge? Are you ready to work with a performance-based small company? At Zantech, we are a dynamic Woman Owned Small Business focused on providing complex, mission-focused solutions with a proven track record of outstanding customer performance and high employee satisfaction. We would love to talk with you regarding the next step in your career. Come join our team!
Zantech is looking for a talented Principal Technical Advisor (SME) to contribute to the success of our upcoming Operations and Program Management Support Services project for a Hybrid role based out of Ashburn, VA.
The Contractor shall provide a Principal Technical Advisor who serves as the senior-most subject matter expert for both performance management and technology innovation. This individual is responsible for providing the Government with objective analysis of the integrator's
performance and advising on forward-looking technology strategies to enhance efficiency and mission capability. This SME is not responsible for the IT service delivery lifecycle itself.
Instead, their role is to provide strategic oversight, technical validation, and innovation leadership from the Government's perspective, ensuring that both current operations and future modernization efforts deliver maximum value.
Key Responsibilities:
• Performance Management and Oversight:
o Provide expert guidance in developing meaningful KPIs and SLAs to measure integrator performance, focusing on value, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with Government objectives.
o Analyze technical, financial, and operational data to evaluate performance against baselines, identify trends, and surface risks or opportunities for improvement.
o Translate complex performance data into clear, data-informed recommendations for Government governance bodies.
• Technology Modernization and Innovation Strategy:
o Identify, evaluate, and demonstrate technology-enabled approaches (including cloud, AI/ML, and intelligent automation) that improve mission performance and operational efficiency. CBP/SAS/BEMSD/Service Delivery and Resource Allocation Management Support
o Advise executive stakeholders by translating complex technical concepts into actionable options, shaping scalable, low-risk solutions that align with
Government priorities and operational realities.
o Lead rapid prototyping, proofs-of-concept, and other innovation activities to test and validate potential solutions before broader commitment.
o Assess the technical feasibility, risks, dependencies, security considerations, and transition approaches associated with new modernization initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Education: A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in IT, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience:
o Fifteen (15) or more years of experience in Federal IT modernization, technology management, software engineering, cloud architecture, and/or IT performance management.
o Ten (10) or more years of experience providing technical leadership for medium or large multi-task projects of high complexity in a Federal environment.
o Demonstrated experience developing and implementing data-driven performance management frameworks (KPIs, SLAs) for large-scale IT service contracts.
o Demonstrated experience leading or advising on cloud, platform, or application modernization efforts, including technical strategy and software development.
o Proven experience applying intelligent automation, AI-enabled capabilities, and data analytics to improve workflows and decision support.
o Experience leading rapid prototyping or proof-of-concept development to inform Government acquisition or modernization decisions.
• Certifications:
o Possess an active Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
o Possess one or more relevant professional certifications in cloud architecture, agile delivery, or platform engineering (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect, SAFe
Agilist, or equivalent).
• Security: Experience supporting DHS or other homeland security, law enforcement, or Federal civilian mission environments is preferred.
Required Security Clearance:
- US Citizenship
- Active Secret or higher clearance, per contract requirements.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DHS clearance is required; active DHS CBP clearance is preferred
“Outstanding Performance…Always!”
Our corporate motto represents our commitment to build long-term relationships with both our clients and our employees by providing the highest quality service in everything we do. We strive for excellence for our clients and for each other. We embrace the opportunity to hire individuals with new talents and fresh perspectives. Zantech offers competitive compensation, strong benefits, and a vacation package, as well as a fast-paced and exciting work environment. Come join our team!
Summary
Provide strategic oversight, technical validation, and innovation leadership for federal IT modernization projects.
Job title
Principal Technical Advisor (SME)
Experience level
15+ years
Minimum experience
15+ years exp
Industry
technology
Location requirements
Hybrid role based out of Ashburn, VA, US-based work allowed
Salary
Not specified
Management role
No
Required skills
Preferred skills
Specializations
Structured locations inferred from the posting.
Ashburn, VA, USA