Naval Subject Matter Expert (Cleared)

Naval Subject Matter Expert (Cleared) - On-site

Role Overview

• Compensation: $50–$100 per hour

• Location: Arlington, Virginia, or the Washington, DC area, United States

• Engagement Type: Contractor

• Work Arrangement: On-site

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Naval Subject Matter Expert to provide specialized maritime and defense expertise for a high-impact project supporting Navy decision-making. You will apply your operational, programmatic, or intelligence experience to develop rigorous analysis, actionable recommendations, and executive-level briefings.

The role involves assessing naval operations, platforms, doctrine, capabilities, and maritime security developments. You will work with classified and unclassified information in accordance with applicable security requirements and project protocols.

Your expertise will also contribute to training and evaluating AI systems on complex naval and defense topics. Previous AI experience is not required.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop expert assessments of naval operations, platforms, and doctrine using direct fleet, defense program, or intelligence experience.

• Analyze and synthesize classified and unclassified operational and program data to support Navy planning, requirements, and decision-making.

• Prepare concise written assessments, recommendations, and high-level briefings for senior military and civilian leaders.

• Coordinate with stakeholders across the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and defense industry.

• Assess emerging developments in naval capabilities and maritime security relevant to project objectives.

• Apply sound analytical judgment when evaluating complex, sensitive, or high-stakes information.

• Handle and safeguard classified materials in accordance with applicable security requirements, facility procedures, and project protocols.

Required Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in the U.S. Navy, the Maritime Administration (MARAD), the Department of Transportation (DOT), or comparable maritime or defense roles.

• Demonstrated naval or maritime subject-matter expertise supported by operational, programmatic, intelligence, or equivalent professional experience.

• Strong analytical judgment and the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable recommendations.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing assessments and briefing senior leadership.

• Experience working in classified or other high-stakes government or defense environments.

• A current or recent security clearance meeting the project's requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance. Candidates with a Secret clearance held within the last 24 months and eligibility for TS/SCI reinstatement may also be considered.

• Experience at the O-4/O-5 military officer level, GS-13/GS-14 equivalent, or demonstrated equivalent subject-matter authority.

• Experience briefing flag-level officers, senior government officials, or executive leadership.

• Familiarity with Pentagon decision-making processes and organizations such as the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV), Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), and Program Executive Offices (PEOs).

• Experience coordinating across military, government, intelligence, and industry stakeholders.

• Intelligence analysis experience or a background in the Intelligence Community.

• A master's degree in a relevant discipline, such as national security, defense studies, or engineering.

Work Environment and Security

This is an on-site contractor engagement based in Arlington, Virginia, or the Washington, DC area. The work requires adherence to applicable security protocols for handling classified information, including TS/SCI-level requirements where authorized and applicable.

Candidates must be able to meet the project's clearance, access, and facility requirements.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate combines substantial naval or maritime defense experience with strong analytical capabilities, sound professional judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively with senior military and civilian decision-makers. Experience navigating Pentagon processes, interpreting defense priorities, and working across multiple stakeholders will be particularly valuable.