Senior SETA (Scientific, Engineering, and Tec

About the Role:

Mission Summary

This Senior Scientific, Engineering, and Technical Assistance (SETA) role provides principal-level advisory and thought leadership to senior DARPA executives, including the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and senior ITD Staff. As a Senior SETA, you will be a key strategic resource, shaping the agency's approach to cybersecurity across its most advanced and sensitive technology portfolios.

Twenty8Tech (A Redhawk Company) has an immediate opening for a hybrid (telework/office) distinguished expert with extensive, deep experience in secure multi-level cloud architectures, Cross Domain Solutions (CDS), and the complex security landscape of paradigm-shifting technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). You will operate with a high degree of autonomy to provide strategic foresight, critical technical analysis, and authoritative guidance, ensuring that security is an enabler of innovation for DARPA's high-risk, high-reward programs. Your primary function is to serve as a top-tier advisor, influencing the strategic direction of cybersecurity for the nation's next generation of breakthrough technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Advisory & Leadership: Provide principal-level cybersecurity expertise and strategic counsel to DARPA senior leadership. Lead critical assessments and shape the agency's long-term security roadmap for cloud and emerging technologies.
• Cloud & CDS Architecture Authority: Serve as a leading authority on the evaluation of secure cloud architectures and Cross Domain Solutions. Provide definitive recommendations on designs for multi-level, hybrid cloud, and highly sensitive environments, ensuring they are resilient, compliant, and mission capable.
• Emerging Technology Threat & Opportunity Analysis: Drive analysis of the strategic security implications of nascent and future technologies. Develop and champion novel security frameworks and threat models for AI, quantum computing, and other areas of strategic interest to DARPA.
• Portfolio-Level Cybersecurity Strategy: Guide Program Managers in the development of robust, portfolio-wide cybersecurity strategies. Mentor performers and government staff on the integration of advanced security principles from program inception through technology transition.
• Independent Technical Validation: Lead independent technical assessments and validations of performer-developed technologies. Provide clear, unbiased, and impactful recommendations to senior government leaders on the viability, security, and risk posture of proposed solutions.
• Senior-Level Liaison and Influence: Act as a key liaison between the CISO’s office, program offices, and the broader national security R&D community. Leverage deep professional relationships to foster collaboration and influence cybersecurity best practices.

Mandatory Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Security Clearance: Must possess an active Top Secret (TS) security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). Eligibility for SAP access and a counterintelligence scope polygraph may be required.
• Education: Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant technical field (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related discipline).
• Senior SETA Experience: A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience, with at least 6 years operating in a senior SETA, principal advisor, or chief architect capacity supporting DoD or Intelligence Community agencies.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Authoritative expertise in architecting, securing, and assessing complex hybrid cloud and/or multi-cloud environments (AWS, Azure) within secure government contexts.
  • At least 5 years of technical experience in a Major Acquisition Program Office in the DoW.
  • Extensive and deep practical experience with the architecture, approval process (e.g., UCDSMO), and operational management of Cross Domain Solutions (CDS).
  • Profound understanding of the security challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies, particularly AI/ML.
  • Mastery of DoD cybersecurity policies, the Risk Management Framework (RMF), and NIST security standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience:
  • Extensive experience providing direct SETA support to DARPA or a similar high-paced R&D organization.
  • Recognized as a subject matter expert in cloud security, CDS, or AI security within the DoD or Intelligence Community.
  • Extensive experience briefing and advising Flag Officers, Senior Executive Service (SES) members, and other senior government leaders.
• Strategic Vision: Demonstrated ability to anticipate future technology and threat trends and develop long-range strategic plans to address them.