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SME Experience Requirements

Qualified applicants will be contacted on an as-needed basis.

 

By certification

CompTIA Certifications
A+ CloudNetX DataAI PenTest+ SecurityX
AgentOps+ CTT+ DevOps+ Project+ Server+
AutoOps+ CySA+ Durable Skills SecAI+ Tech+
Cloud+ Data+ Linux+ SecOT+  
Cloud Essentials+ DataSys+ Network+ Security+  

A+

  • 5 years of total experience with 2 years of current experience in supporting and troubleshooting a wide variety of computing devices and operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OSX, Android, or IOS.

  • At least 12 months of using AI tools to automate, triage, troubleshoot hardware and software problems, and document support tickets. Along with supporting, coaching, and training end users on approved AI tools and responsible AI use.
  • IT professionals in the following or similar roles, IT Specialist, Field Technician, Help Desk Technician, etc. with a strong technical background, preferably A+ certified.

AgentOps+

  • A minimum of 2-3 years of DevOps/Platform Engineering experience with a hands-on role operating production system (cloud infrastructure, CI/CD, SRE/operations, platform engineering, or systems administration). 
    • Cloud and container operations: Practical experience deploying and operating containerized workloads (Docker) on Kubernetes or a managed container platform. 
    • Infrastructure as Code and automation: Experience using IaC (e.g., Terraform, Helm, Kubernetes manifests) and automating repeatable operational tasks. 
    • Security and access controls: Working knowledge of IAM, RBAC, secrets management, and secure operational practices. 
    • Operational troubleshooting: Proven ability to diagnose and resolve incidents using logs, metrics, traces, and runbooks. 
    • Technical writing and review: Ability to provide clear, actionable feedback and/or author concise technical content (objectives, explanations, scenarios, and
  • Preferred experience:
    • AI/LLM systems exposure- Experience supporting LLM-enabled applications, RAG pipelines, vector databases, or agent frameworks in staging/production environments. 
    • Agent orchestration and tool integration- Familiarity with patterns such as tool calling, workflow/state management, and integration approaches (OpenAPI tools, MCP servers, service-to-service auth). 
    • Observability for AI systems- Experience instrumenting and operating OpenTelemetry-based tracing and/or APM/logging stacks, plus awareness of LLM observability concepts (latency, token/cost telemetry, evaluation signals). 
    • Governance and compliance- Exposure to policy-as-code (OPA/Gatekeeper), audit logging, data protection practices, and common compliance frameworks (e.g., SOC 2, GDPR/CCPA, HIPAA/PCI where applicable). 
    • CI/CD for ML/AI workloads- Experience building pipelines that include testing, security scanning, release controls, and rollback strategies for high-change systems. 

AutoOps+

  • A minimum of 5-7 years of experience as Senior Systems Administrator or IT Infrastructure Manager, with responsibility for:

    • Overseeing IT infrastructure across multiple platforms (on-prem, cloud, hybrid environments)

    • Leading efforts in automation, system configuration, and performance optimization

    • Developing and implementing workflows to reduce manual intervention and improve efficiency

    • Ensuring high availability and minimizing downtime through proactive system monitoring and configuration management

  • Recommended:

    • Expert-level skill in automating routine tasks using tools such as Bash, PowerShell, Python, Ansible, Puppet, etc.

    • Can design workflows that enhance operational efficiency and reduce manual tasks.

Cloud Essentials+

  • At least 2 years of experience working in an environment that markets or relies on IT services.

  • Strong knowledge and understanding of main cloud computing principles and concepts from a business and technical perspective.

  • Understands what is involved in moving to and governing the cloud.

  • Candidates with the experience below are welcome and encouraged:

    • IT instructors with a professional background that includes cybersecurity experience and teaching experience or curriculum setting.

    • Experience setting curriculum mandates for high schools.

    • Individuals involved in workforce development programs that take learners with no experience to jobs through coursework and certifications.

    • Program managers and instructors.

    • Secondary school teachers, post-secondary instructors offering entry-level (100-level courses) preferably at two-year colleges, and/or professionals who have taught similar coursework.

Cloud+

  • At least 5 years of IT experience, including at least 2 years of technical hands-on experience with cloud and virtualization services in an enterprise setting.

  • Experience using and integrating cloud technologies, such as (but not limited to) AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, OpenStack, or CloudStack.

  • CompTIA Cloud+, Server+, and/or Network+ credentials or equivalent industry certificate. Otherwise, qualified network administrators, security administrators, IT system analysts, system administrators, and IT consultants in the cloud are encouraged to apply.

 

Cloud Networking Expert

  • A minimum of 7-10 years of experience as a systems architect, network architect, cloud network architect, or enterprise architect with primary responsibility for system and network architecture, design, engineering, and integration.

  • Hands-on experience working with hybrid systems (on-premises and cloud-based).

  • Solution architecture experience is a plus.

  • Preferably Cloud+ and Network+ certified (or equivalent knowledge).

 

CTT+

  • At least 5 years of experience with a strong training background/ experience.

  • Core knowledge and skills that an instructor must demonstrate to complete an instructional assignment successfully in both a classroom and a virtual classroom environment.

  • Preferably CTT+ certified (or other relevant certification).

 

CySA+

  • At least 5 years of experience in one or more of the fields below:

    • Working as a cybersecurity analyst in a security operations center (SOC).

    • Experience in one or more of the following IT security fields: data analysis and response, risk management, penetration testing, compliance and auditing, and incident response, including attack identification. Certifications in these areas are desired but not required.

  • A bachelor’s degree.

  • Preferably Security+ certified (or equivalent). 

Data+

  • Current experience specializing in core business functions such as marketing and sales, finance and accounting, human resources, or operations, including analysis experience.

  • At least 5 years of experience in functional business areas, including 5 years of analysis experience.

  • It is preferred that SMEs have experience:

    • Collecting and analyzing information and trends.

    • Developing, generating, and communicating meaningful reports and dashboards using business analytics software.

    • Developing, publishing, and maintaining basic SQL queries.

    • Helping ensure data reporting integrity.

    • Acting as the subject matter expert for all data and reporting.

    • Assisting in the integration of additional outside data sources into business analytics software such as Tableau, Qlik, or Power BI.

    • Setting up and monitoring reporting alerts and KPIs.

    • Performing ad-hoc analysis and reporting for multiple stakeholders.

DataSys+

  • A minimum of 5 years of experience as a database administrator, data administrator, or data engineer role with primary responsibility for:

    • Installing, configuring, monitoring, maintaining, and improving the performance of databases and data stores.

  • Hands-on experience working with on-premises and cloud-based relational and NoSQL databases and solution architecture experience is a plus.

DataAI

  • A minimum of 5 years of experience as a data engineer or data scientist with data architecture responsibilities. This includes deep expertise with databases, data warehouses, and data pipelines. SMEs should have skills in most of the following areas:

    • Database systems like SQL and NoSQL

    • Data warehousing solutions

    • ETL tools

    • Machine learning

    • Data APIs

    • Python, Java, and Scala programming languages

    • Understanding the basics of distributed systems

    • Knowledge of algorithms, statistics, and data structures

DevOps+

  • A minimum of 4-5 years DevOps / Platform Engineering experience in a hands-on role supporting production systems (DevOps, SRE, platform engineering, systems administration, or cloud operations). 
    • CI/CD pipeline operations: Practical experience designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting CI/CD pipelines using tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, GitHub Actions, or Azure DevOps. 
    • Cloud infrastructure operations: Hands-on experience operating workloads in AWS, Azure, and/or Google Cloud Platform, including compute, storage, networking, and IAM. 
    • Infrastructure as Code and automation: Experience using IaC and configuration management tools (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation, Ansible, Puppet, or Chef) to provision and manage infrastructure. 
    • Container platforms: Practical experience deploying and operating containerized applications using Docker and Kubernetes or managed container services. 
    • Monitoring and incident response: Proven ability to monitor system health, investigate alerts, analyze logs and metrics, and resolve production incidents. 
  • Preferred Experience:
    • DevSecOps exposure: Experience integrating security controls, vulnerability scanning, and compliance checks into CI/CD pipelines. 
    • Observability tooling: Experience with monitoring and logging platforms such as Prometheus, Grafana, ELK/Elastic Stack, Datadog, or Splunk. 
    • Enterprise IT environments: Experience supporting hybrid or legacy-integrated environments, including change management and compliance requirements. 
    • Scripting and automation: Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell for operational automation. 
    • Certification or formal training: Industry certifications related to cloud platforms, DevOps, containers, or infrastructure automation. 

Durable Skills

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) should have experience in at least one of the following roles:

  • 10+ years in a coaching/mentoring role

  • 5+ years as a hiring manager or people-leaders (job roles that include staff on-boarding, training, learning, up-skilling, etc.) of early career professionals

  • 3-5 years in a role demonstrating the use of at least 5 of the Durable Skills listed below

  • 9-12 months in the role of the target audience

Outline of Durable Skills, which represents the focus of the development initiative:

  • Communication (written, verbal, negotiation, social media, etc.)

  • Leadership (management, decision-making, mentorship, advocacy, etc.)

  • Cumulative experience in leading, managing, directing, and/or participating in small to medium-scale projects.

  • Metacognition (detail-oriented, planning, adaptability, etc.)

  • Critical Thinking (research, troubleshooting, investigation, prioritization, etc.)

  • Collaboration (teamwork, team building, cooperation, etc.)

  • Character (enthusiasm, accountability, trustworthiness, reliability, etc.)

  • Creativity (imagination, creative problem-solving, visionary, etc.)

  • Growth Mindset (self-starter, proactivity, action-oriented, etc.)

  • Mindfulness (empathy, patience, active listening, emotional intelligence, etc.)

  • Fortitude (resilience, motivational skills, optimism, tenacity, etc.)

Linux+

  • 5 years of cumulative IT experience with at least 2 years of hands-on Linux systems administration.

  • Preferably Linux+, LPIC, or Red Hat certified.

Network+

  • At least 5 years of experience working in the field of network administration and support.

  • Preferably Network+ certified.

PenTest+

  • At least 5 years of hands-on experience with penetration testing and/or vulnerability assessment and management.

  • It is preferred that SMEs hold the CompTIA PenTest+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), and/or OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), or similar penetration testing or vulnerability assessment and management certification (or an equivalent/higher credential).

Project+

  • At least 2 years working in the field of project management.

  • IT professionals must possess important core knowledge of the project life cycle, roles, and skills necessary to effectively initiate, plan, execute, monitor/control, and close a project.

  • Cumulative experience in leading, managing, directing, and/or participating in small to medium-scale projects.

  • Project managers who act as such on the job (full time) with at least 2 years of experience.

  • IT management role or other management role but has also been managing projects “part-time” for 5+ years as part of their management job.

  • Preferably Project+ certified (or equivalent).

SecAI+

  • A minimum of 5-7 years of experience as a security analyst, penetration tester, cybersecurity engineer, or security researcher with demonstrated experience in at least 3 of the following areas:

    • Applying AI/ML techniques to improve cybersecurity operations, including threat detection and incident response.

    • Designing and implementing security measures for AI/ML systems, ensuring the safe deployment of these technologies in real-world environments.

    • Conducting advanced security testing (such as penetration testing) to identify vulnerabilities in AI/ML applications and systems.

    • Addressing and mitigating AI-specific security challenges, such as adversarial attacks, data poisoning, and model theft.

  • Recommended:

    • CASP+ / SecurityX certified or equivalent certification.

SecOT+

Operational Technology (OT) / Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Engineer (or Analyst/Architect) with:     

  •  At least 4 years of hands-on experience in an engineering or managerial role.     
  • With at least 2 of those years of hands-on experience implementing cybersecurity technologies and solutions in an ICS or OT environment.
  • Preferred CompTIA Security+ certified or equivalent industry certificate.

Security+

  • At least 5 years of current experience in the field of information security.

  • Preferably Security+ certified (or equivalent).

SecurityX

  • At least 8 years of experience working in enterprise-level security management.

  • Preferably CASP+ certified (or equivalent/higher credential).

Server+

  • At least 5 years of experience working with network servers.

  • Can identify environmental issues and understand and comply with disaster recovery and physical/software security procedures.

  • Familiar with industry terminology and concepts and understands server roles/specializations and interaction within the overall computing environment.

  • Preferably Server+ certified (or equivalent).

Tech+

  • At least 2 years of experience in PC installation, general security, networking, and computer information systems.

  • Preferably A+, Network+, and/or Security+ certified (or equivalent).

  • Candidates with the experience below are welcome and encouraged:

    • IT instructors with a professional background that includes cybersecurity experience and teaching experience or curriculum setting.

    • Experience setting curriculum mandates for high schools.

    • Individuals involved in workforce development programs that take learners from no experience to jobs through coursework and certifications.

    • Program managers and instructors.

    • Secondary school teachers, post-secondary instructors offering entry-level (100-level courses) preferably at two-year colleges, and/or professionals who have taught similar coursework.