CI SME/Instructor – SCIF Operations in Quantico, VA

Are you an experienced Counterintelligence (CI) professional with a strong background in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) operations? We are seeking a CI Subject Matter Expert (SME)/Instructor to support critical national security training and operations in Quantico, VA. This role offers a unique opportunity to leverage your expertise in CI and SCIF protocols to train and guide personnel in high-security environments. If you thrive in mission-driven settings and have a passion for intelligence instruction, this is the role for you.

Train the Next Generation of CI Professionals

A leading defense and intelligence contractor is looking for a CI SME/Instructor to deliver expert-level instruction and guidance on SCIF operations at a secured location in Quantico, VA. The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of CI principles, SCIF regulatory compliance, and hands-on experience within classified facilities. You will play a vital role in ensuring that personnel are prepared to operate effectively and securely in sensitive environments. If you are committed to operational excellence and national security, we invite you to bring your skills to this essential mission.

Key Responsibilities of the CI SME/Instructor – SCIF Operations

Intelligence Training & Curriculum Development:
Design, develop, and deliver advanced Counterintelligence (CI) training modules with a focus on SCIF operations. As a CI SME/Instructor, you will ensure that course materials align with current intelligence doctrines, agency standards, and mission objectives.

SCIF Operations Oversight:
Provide subject matter expertise on Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) protocols, security procedures, and operational best practices. The CI SME/Instructor will ensure trainees understand and comply with all physical and information security requirements within SCIF environments.

Operational Readiness & Support:
Assist in preparing personnel for deployment and assignment in high-risk or classified environments. Provide practical, scenario-based instruction that enhances readiness and operational effectiveness under real-world conditions.

Program Evaluation & Improvement:
Continuously assess the effectiveness of CI training programs. As the CI SME/Instructor, gather feedback, analyze performance metrics, and recommend improvements to ensure instructional quality and operational relevance.

Threat Analysis & Counterintelligence Awareness:
Deliver expert-led briefings and training on foreign intelligence threats, insider threats, and counterintelligence strategies. Train personnel to detect, assess, and respond to intelligence collection efforts in accordance with national security protocols.

Interagency Coordination & Collaboration:
Collaborate with intelligence agencies, military units, and law enforcement entities to ensure cohesive training objectives and consistent application of CI standards. Serve as the primary CI SME/Instructor liaison to ensure mission alignment and information sharing.

Compliance & Security Standards:
Ensure all training and operational guidance adheres to Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), and national security regulations. The CI SME/Instructor will maintain current knowledge of policy updates and evolving threats.

Technical Reporting & Documentation:
Prepare detailed training documentation, after-action reports, and assessments. Maintain training records in compliance with organizational protocols and ensure availability for audits and reviews.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As a CI SME/Instructor – SCIF Operations, the client seeks a highly skilled intelligence professional with deep subject matter expertise in counterintelligence operations and SCIF protocols. You should possess the instructional ability to train, mentor, and guide intelligence personnel while maintaining the highest standards of national security and operational readiness.

Extensive Experience in Counterintelligence and SCIF Environments

The client is looking for a CI SME/Instructor with a strong background in counterintelligence operations, particularly within SCIF environments. You should have a comprehensive understanding of DoD and IC policies, threat mitigation strategies, and security procedures. Prior hands-on experience conducting or supporting CI missions is highly valued.

Effective Instructor and Communicator

As a CI SME/Instructor, your ability to communicate complex CI concepts clearly and effectively is essential. You should be comfortable developing curriculum, delivering formal instruction, and tailoring content for diverse learner levels. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong classroom management skills and instructional creativity.

Mission-Oriented Mindset with Operational Insight

The client values individuals who are mission-driven and understand the demands of high-security, real-world operations. Your insight as a CI SME/Instructor will directly influence how personnel perform in sensitive assignments. Candidates with experience supporting military or government agencies in operational contexts will stand out.

Proven Ability to Collaborate and Lead in High-Stakes Environments

You should be adept at working cross-functionally with intelligence personnel, military leaders, and interagency partners. The client is seeking a CI SME/Instructor who can lead collaborative initiatives, advise on best practices, and support decision-making in dynamic, high-stakes environments.

Strong Analytical and Strategic Thinking Skills

The ideal CI SME/Instructor will demonstrate the ability to assess threat landscapes, develop training solutions, and implement improvements based on data and feedback. Your strategic mindset should support the evolution of training programs and the enhancement of SCIF operational procedures.

Commitment to Security, Compliance, and Continuous Learning

The client expects a CI SME/Instructor who is well-versed in current intelligence community regulations, classification protocols, and national security standards. A commitment to lifelong learning and staying current with emerging threats and methodologies is a critical component of this role.

FAQs About the Role – CI SME/Instructor – SCIF Operations

1. What are the key responsibilities of the CI SME/Instructor in this role?
As a CI SME/Instructor, you will be responsible for delivering expert-level counterintelligence training focused on SCIF operations. You will design curriculum, provide hands-on instruction, ensure alignment with national security protocols, and support the operational readiness of intelligence personnel. The role also includes evaluating training effectiveness and maintaining compliance with DoD and IC standards.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal CI SME/Instructor should have significant experience in counterintelligence operations and SCIF procedures. A background in military intelligence, federal agencies, or national security environments is strongly preferred. You should possess strong instructional skills, excellent communication abilities, and familiarity with current CI policies and protocols. Relevant certifications or security clearances (such as TS/SCI) may be required.

3. What instructional skills are essential for this role?
As a CI SME/Instructor, you must be able to clearly convey complex CI concepts to a diverse audience. Strong presentation, curriculum development, and classroom management skills are essential. The ability to adapt training for different learning styles and operational needs is highly valued.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
This role involves working in high-security environments where accuracy, discretion, and regulatory compliance are paramount. As a CI SME/Instructor, you will face challenges such as keeping training content up to date with evolving threats, adapting to agency-specific procedures, and ensuring all trainees meet operational standards for SCIF access and intelligence missions.

5. What impact does the CI SME/Instructor have on national security efforts?
The CI SME/Instructor plays a vital role in preparing intelligence personnel to detect, prevent, and respond to threats. Your instruction directly impacts the security and effectiveness of operations conducted within SCIFs and other classified environments. Your guidance helps safeguard sensitive information and supports the broader mission of national defense.

6. What is the work environment like for this position?
This role is based in Quantico, VA, within a secure government or military facility. The environment is mission-focused, professional, and security-driven. As a CI SME/Instructor, you will work closely with military, intelligence, and interagency personnel. Collaboration, discretion, and a commitment to excellence are key aspects of the workplace culture.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As a CI SME/Instructor – SCIF Operations based in Quantico, VA, you can expect a competitive and mission-aligned compensation package that reflects the specialized nature of your expertise in counterintelligence and secure facility operations. Compensation typically includes the following components:

1. Base Salary

The base salary for a CI SME/Instructor in the intelligence and defense sector generally ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, security clearance level, and the scope of responsibilities. Candidates with extensive operational background and instructional expertise may command salaries at the higher end of the range.

2. Performance-Based Incentives

Some contracts include performance-based bonuses linked to training outcomes, mission readiness metrics, and contract deliverables. As a CI SME/Instructor, your ability to deliver high-impact training and meet client objectives can result in additional earnings.

3. Overtime & Hazard Pay (if applicable)

Depending on contract requirements and operational tempo, CI SME/Instructors may be eligible for overtime pay, hazard differentials, or deployment-related incentives, particularly if travel to classified or high-risk locations is required.

4. Security Clearance Stipends

In some government contracts, individuals holding an active Top Secret/SCI clearance may be eligible for additional clearance stipends or salary enhancements. As a CI SME/Instructor, maintaining a valid clearance is often a critical qualification and may be compensated accordingly.

5. Benefits Package

Most employers offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plans with company matching
Paid time off (PTO) and federal holidays
Professional development allowances
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance and wellness resources

6. Travel Reimbursements & Per Diem

If your role as a CI SME/Instructor requires travel for off-site training or interagency collaboration, you may receive travel reimbursements, daily per diem allowances, and lodging support in accordance with federal travel regulations.

Total Compensation Potential

While the base salary forms the core of your earnings, the total compensation for a CI SME/Instructor can rise significantly based on bonuses, benefits, and operational incentives. In some cases, experienced instructors with high-level clearances can earn upwards of $160,000 to $180,000 annually when all components are considered.

How to Apply

If you are a seasoned counterintelligence professional with expertise in secure facility operations and a passion for training the next generation of intelligence personnel, we invite you to apply for the CI SME/Instructor – SCIF Operations role in Quantico, VA. This is a vital opportunity to contribute to national security by shaping high-impact CI training programs in a mission-critical environment.

To apply, please submit your updated resume and a cover letter detailing your experience as a CI SME/Instructor, including your background in counterintelligence operations, SCIF protocols, instructional delivery, and national security compliance. Be sure to highlight any relevant certifications, security clearances (TS/SCI), and success in curriculum development or operational training.

This position offers a high-impact career path where your knowledge and leadership as a CI SME/Instructor will directly support intelligence readiness and operational effectiveness. Apply today to advance your career while contributing to one of the most essential missions in the federal intelligence community.

For more information or to explore similar national security and training opportunities, please visit our Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) Executive Recruiters Page.

Job Category: SCIF Operations

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Quantico

CI SME/Instructor – SCIF Operations in Quantico, VA