Academic Engagement SME

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a dedication to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

If this sounds like the type of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

Leidos has an exciting opportunity for an Academic Engagement SME in San Antonio, TX. The candidate will work directly with the 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) Technical Director while supporting the Air Force Cryptologic Office (AFCO). Responsibilities for day-to-day support for this position require the ability to multitask several ongoing projects. The AE Program involves coordination with 16AF Staff members, other state and federal organizations, universities and industry partners. The candidate will be detail-oriented, creative, innovative, and have a commitment to quality. The AE Lead develops research plans between the government and universities supporting career development on topics such as Defense of Critical Infrastructure and Super Intelligence. The role involves selecting the best solution and investigating ways to improve efficiencies through integrations with partners during innovation forums and technical discussions supporting 16AF requirements. This role requires a hands-on integration using both critical and creative thinking to align research activities amongst government, industry and academic partners using existing knowledge of both ISR and cyber fundamentals

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Synchronize partnerships between government and academia through multiple exchange formats
• Organize and lead formal academic exchange events such as technical talks and cyber- style capture the flag
• Collaborate with government, industry and academic partners at various intervals.
• Provide resource availability such as scholarship programs and federal grants to academic partners
• Lead technical research/development enabling continued innovation between gov SMEs and academic research leaders
• Brief senior leaders in government and academia on overall AE program details and future plans
• Ensure research plans remain aligned to original problem intent; support stages of basic and intermediate development
• Identify completed research findings worthy of advanced development for industry engagement

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must possess a current DoD TS/SCI security clearance
• Master's Degree 10+ years or Bachelor's degree and 15+ years of relevant experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Skillfulness to build and sustain relationships amongst subject matter experts of various disciplines and align the expertise in relationship advancement between government, industry and academics
• Understanding of authority vehicles such as CRADAs, EPAs, and IPAs with support provided from AFRL
• MUST have proficiency knowledge of postsecondary programs such as cybersecurity, computer science and political science
• Knowledge of requirements for nationally recognized academic qualifications and designations such as the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and the NSAs National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C)
• Ability to work independently

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Current Polygraph
• Experience researching topics focused on the cybersecurity and ISR domains either academically and/or operationally
• Awareness of existing DoW cybersecurity policy, plans, and programs models supporting academic scholarships/internships
• Ability to provide a portfolio/sampling of completed projects and/or case studies is a plus
• Exposure to DoW policies, training programs, and certifications within the cybersecurity, computer science, and political science focus and methods used to transfer this government-based standard into academia
• Familiarity with cyber and ISR regulatory principles, methods, and techniques used by DoW, USAF, and federal agencies
• Interest and suggested solutions to expand the AE program within the 16AF
• Background with accreditation needed for secure work environments to include hardware and software designs/credentials
• Understanding of roles performed by Technical Directors and Technical Advisors at 16AF and within subordinate organizations

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If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

October 26, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $82,550.00 - $149,225.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.