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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 variety of computing devices and operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OSX, Android, or IOS.

  • IT professionals 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 3-4 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.