Chemical Security & Elimination Subject Matter Expert (SME)

The Red Gate Group is seeking a Chemical Security & Elimination Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). In this mission-critical role, you will help strengthen global defenses against chemical weapons and materials by advising partner nations, shaping capability development, and guiding complex threat reduction initiatives.

You will apply deep chemical defense expertise, interagency awareness, and program management skill to ensure security, elimination, and incident response efforts support the National Defense Strategy, Combatant Command objectives, and Global Threat Reduction (GTR) priorities. Your insights will directly influence operational planning, acquisition strategy, and international capacity building in some of the most sensitive and consequential mission areas.

Key Responsibilities

You will serve as a technical, analytical, and strategic advisor, including:

Strategic & Technical Advisory

• Develop and deliver high-level briefings translating complex chemical threat issues into actionable guidance for senior DoD officials.

• Conduct vulnerability assessments, training needs analyses, and capability evaluations for partner nations.

• Lead requirements definition and strategy development for:

  • Chemical security & elimination missions

  • Chemical UXO response

  • Site and transportation security

  • Post-interdiction counter-smuggling activities

Program & Acquisition Support

• Develop and review SOWs, WBSs, IGCEs, source selection criteria, and technical proposal evaluations.

• Support development of programmatic documentation, including POM inputs, spend plans, performance metrics, and reporting requirements for OSD and DTRA.

• Coordinate with analysts on budget development, sustainment plans, cost/performance trade-off analysis, and regulatory/QA compliance.

Interagency, International, and Operational Integration

• Advise project officers on strategy alignment with:

  • U.S. National Strategies

  • Geographic Combatant Command plans

  • GTR priorities

  • Interagency partner initiatives

• Engage with U.S. Government, contractors, foreign governments, and international stakeholders to advance mission execution.

• Support and participate in OCONUS partner-nation engagements (travel approx. 25%).

Documentation & Mission Enablement

• Write mission-impact products including decision papers, action memos, talking points, and technical briefs.

• Review deliverables and provide expert comments that improve project execution and sustainment.

• Develop trip books and detailed post-engagement reports.

• 5+ years of relevant CWMD/CBRN experience and/or education.
• Demonstrated foundational understanding of chemistry fundamentals (e.g., Basic CBRN Defense School, Basic EOD, Hazmat Technician).
• Understanding of chemical characteristics and properties that make materials hazardous, including toxicity, reactivity, flammability, and persistence.
• Familiarity with operation/theory of CBRN detection and identification systems, including IMS, PID, FTIR, Raman Spectroscopy, GC/MS, LC/MS, etc.
• Knowledge of CWAs (including 4th Generation Agents), Pharmaceutical-Based Agents (PBAs), emerging threats, and delivery systems.
• Understanding of U.S. and international rules and regulations associated with the transportation of chemical agents and dangerous goods (e.g., IATA, CFR 49, ADR).
• Ability to integrate chemical safety, security, and elimination into operational risk frameworks.
• Experience producing technical, senior-ready written products and instructional content.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and independent work capability.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Active DoD SECRET clearance

Desired Qualifications

• 10+ years of CWMD/CBRN experience.
• Advanced understanding of chemistry (e.g., Civil Support Team, Master EOD, Hazmat Specialist).
• Working knowledge of FTIR and Raman Spectroscopy principles, interpretation, and operational applications for chemical identification.
• Formal operator training on advanced CBRN detection and identification systems.
• Understanding of the distinction between chemical forensics (investigative analysis) and chemical attribution (source/origin determination).
• Familiarity with Title 10 (Armed Forces), Title 32 (National Guard), and Title 50 (War and National Defense) authorities and their application to CWMD operations.
• Experience with:
  • DOD, DHS, DOE, National Laboratories, Interagency coordination
  • International threat reduction and capacity-building programs
• Understanding of emerging agent trends and chemical security policy.
• TS/SCI eligibility highly desired.

The Red Gate Group, Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The Red Gate Group, Ltd. considers applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law. Know Your Rights