Subject Matter Expert – Automated Targeting & Risk Systems

Subject Matter Expert – Automated Targeting \& Risk Systems (CBP Programs)

Job Summary

SDA is seeking a senior Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) cargo targeting and risk assessment programs. This role supports mission‑critical systems used to identify high‑risk shipments before they arrive in the United States, across air, sea, land, and truck modes.

This position works closely with CBP operational users, analysts, program leadership, and technical teams to ensure automated targeting systems—including emerging AI‑enabled tools—are accurate, effective, and aligned with enforcement and trade compliance priorities.

This is not a software developer or data scientist role. The focus is on operational expertise, system output evaluation, and continuous improvement—not coding or model building.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a subject matter expert supporting CBP automated cargo targeting and risk assessment systems.
• Provide operational insight to improve rule‑based and AI‑enabled targeting capabilities.
• Collaborate with CBP stakeholders, program managers, analysts, and engineers to translate mission needs into system enhancements.
• Review and validate outputs from automated tools and AI features; identify gaps, inaccuracies, or weak risk logic and recommend improvements.
• Troubleshoot underperforming targeting rules or workflows and support data‑driven refinements.
• Apply knowledge of importation and trade processes, including entry data, bills of lading, importer security filings (ISF), and related data sources.
• Support audits and oversight activities (e.g., GAO, OIG) by explaining targeting methodologies and risk assessment approaches.
• Deliver training or knowledge‑transfer sessions for CBP officers, analysts, and interagency partners.

Required Qualifications

• Significant professional experience (typically
10\+ years) supporting CBP, DHS, or comparable federal law enforcement, intelligence, border security, or trade compliance programs.
• Demonstrated experience with
cargo targeting, screening, or risk assessment operations, particularly in an automated or analytical environment.
• Experience evaluating system outputs and recommending improvements to operational effectiveness.
• Strong understanding of how automated systems support enforcement, security, or trade compliance missions.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex operational or analytical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Preferred / Nice‑to‑Have Qualifications

• Direct experience with
CBP Automated Targeting System (ATS) or similar national‑level screening systems.
• Experience supporting or working with the
National Targeting Center (NTC) or similar centralized targeting organizations.
• Exposure to or experience validating
AI, machine learning, or decision‑support tools in a government or regulated environment.
• Familiarity with
AI virtual assistants or Large Language Models (LLMs), including evaluating response quality (no coding required).
• Experience supporting system modernization, platform migrations, or major capability rollouts.
• Background delivering training, serving as a functional lead, or acting as an operational SME.
• Experience working in
interagency or joint targeting environments.

Customer Requirements

• Bachelors Degree w/12\+ years of experience or Master's Degree w/10\+ years of experience

* U.S. Citizenship \- Candidates will be required to have U.S. Citizenship.

• Clearance \- Current CBP Background Investigation (BI) or eligibility required
• Location \- Ashburn, VA / Hybrid work (2\-3 days onsite)

Who Should Apply (Feeder Backgrounds) \- We encourage applications from professionals with backgrounds such as:

• Current or former
CBP personnel (cargo targeting, trade compliance, NTC, field targeting units, CEEs).

* DHS professionals (ICE, HSI, TSA, Coast Guard) with screening, intelligence, or risk analysis experience.

* Federal contractors or analysts supporting CBP or DHS targeting, screening, or enforcement programs.

* Interagency partners who have supported CBP missions (e.g., FDA, agriculture, consumer safety, or enforcement agencies).

* Trade compliance, supply chain security, or import/export risk professionals with exposure to CBP processes or systems.

• Operational SMEs who have worked alongside technical or AI teams but remained focused on
mission outcomes and decision quality.

You do not need to match every qualification to apply.

Why Join Us

• Support a
mission that protects U.S. security and trade
• Work on
high‑impact, national‑level systems
• Influence how automated and AI tools are responsibly used in federal enforcement
• Collaborate with experienced CBP professionals and inter\-agency partners
• Hybrid schedule with work‑life balance

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply—even if you don’t meet every listed qualification. We value relevant experience, operational insight, and mission alignment.

About SDA

Systems Development and Analysis, Inc. (SDA) has decades of success making system concepts an operational reality for agencies on the front lines of homeland security, law enforcement and national defense.

We are focused on our clients’ missions and hold ourselves accountable for their operational success. We operate with independence and integrity so that we can provide unfettered advice. By understanding and appreciating their world, we earn the trust to innovate and apply leading edge technology on behalf of our clients.

SDA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. SDA is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.