Hardware Assurance and SCRM Subject Matter Expert

About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com

Hardware Assurance (HwA) & Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Hardware Assurance (HwA) and Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) Subject Matter Expert to support our defense and intelligence programs. In this role, you will transition our programs from a compliance-focused model into a proactive, risk-informed, enterprise-wide capability. You will serve as the primary authority on identifying vulnerabilities in microelectronics, detecting counterfeit electronic parts, assessing Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI), and mitigating systemic risk across the defense acquisition lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Risk Assessment & Governance

• Proactive Threat Analysis: Conduct daily research to evaluate threats against mission-critical hardware and information systems.
• Vendor & FOCI Reviews: Evaluate commercial enterprises, sub-tier suppliers, and company officers to identify foreign connections, structural vulnerabilities, and risk equities.
• Policy & Framework Implementation: Guide the program using federal cybersecurity and product assurance frameworks, including NIST SP 800-161, CMMC, and DoD instruction 5200.44.

Technical Hardware Assurance

• BOM Analysis: Analyze Hardware Bills of Materials (HBOM) and electronic component data to trace provenance and isolate vulnerabilities.
• Anti-Counterfeit Surveillance: Implement and audit risk-based surveillance plans to ensure zero integration of counterfeit components into weapon or communication systems.
• Technical Security Reviews: Review Vendor Risk Reports, risk scoring methodologies, and technical security assessments for custom ASICs, FPGAs, and commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware.

Acquisition & Program Support

• Lifecycle Procurement Integration: Provide specialized SCRM expertise.
• Executive Advisory: Author executive-level briefings, implementation roadmaps, and decision-support materials for senior DoD and OGA stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 18+ years of relevant experience in federal/defense supply chain risk management, hardware assurance, or defense electronics acquisition.
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Technical Proficiency:
• Proven experience with product assurance workflows, HBOM/SBOM analysis, and supplier risk scoring.
• Deep understanding of DoD microelectronics integrity, anti-counterfeit standards (e.g., AS5553, AS6171), and trust/assurance policies.
• Clearance: Active U.S. Government Secret clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a relevant technical or national security discipline.
• Active Top Secret / SCI security clearance.
• Familiarity with automated SCRM mapping and open-source intelligence (OSINT) screening

Benefits: CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CFD Research offers our Full-Time, permanent employee-owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance. Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level. Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements. In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories