Artificial Intelligence (AI) Machine Learning (ML) Security Research SME 

Position Overview:

PKH is actively hiring a Senor Subject Matter Expert (SME) to work full-time / onsite at DHS at a location in Northern Virginia in support of the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO).  

SME shall lead ongoing research into current and emerging trends in artificial intelligence (AI), influencing policy and developing best practices for AI security and application testing.

Position Responsibilities:

The SME will serve as the Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Team Lead, who will lead CISOD’s exploration of cutting-edge AI frameworks and methodologies, conducting in-depth research to understand their capabilities and applications. The lead will be responsible for the team’s documentation of the entire lifecycle of AI model creation, deployment, and operation, focusing on identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities inherent in each phase. The team’s expertise will be pivotal in developing robust strategies and frameworks for securing AI/ML applications, ensuring they adhere to industry standards and regulatory requirements.  Additionally, the lead will establish and refine testing procedures specifically tailored to assess the security posture of AI/ML models and algorithms. This includes devising methodologies to simulate real-world attack scenarios and evaluate the resilience of AI systems against potential threats. The lead will provide mentorship and educational sessions to penetration testers and security analysts, empowering them with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively assess and mitigate risks within AI frameworks.

Duties:

• Engage in continuous research to stay abreast of current and upcoming AI trends, assessing their implications for security and organizational impact, ensuring the organization stays at the forefront of AI advancements.

• Develop mock AI systems to facilitate effective testing and evaluation, ensuring the integrity and reliability of AI applications within the organization.

• Investigate the various components involved in building AI applications, focusing on security aspects, to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of data within AI platforms.

• Create and regularly update comprehensive guidance and best practices for AI security and AI application testing, collaborating with IT security teams to align with organizational standards and policies.

• Conduct training sessions for the workforce on AI technologies and their security implications, creating comprehensive training modules and conducting workshops, webinars, and training sessions.

• Implement test cases and conduct live evaluations to assess the security of AI systems, including periodic testing and validation of AI models for data accuracy, fairness, and reliability.

• Build and update policies in line with evolving industry standards for AI implementation and security best practices, developing practical use case scenarios for the researched AI technologies.

• Maintain a repository of AI-related academic papers, case studies, and pertinent articles, providing detailed analysis and reporting on AI technologies that could benefit or impact the organization.

• Develop and regularly update guidelines for securely inputting information into AI platforms, ensuring no loss of sensitive data, and coordinating with data science teams to address any anomalies or biases.

• Deliver regular reports on AI technologies, security guidelines, and model integrity testing, including tracking of AI platforms and their differences.

Required Qualifications:

• Secret clearance required

• Bachelor’s degree in field related to tasking

• GISP or SANS Certification.

• 10 years’ related experience in cybersecurity and AI/ML system assessment.

• Experience working with, briefing, and engaging Senior Government Officials/SES-level personnel.

• Demonstrated experience working with DHS components or other security agencies and leading multi-disciplinary teams desired.

• Knowledge of DHS cyber security infrastructure, assessment frameworks (MITRE ATT&CK and Atlas, etc.) and associated AI/ML orders, frameworks and Federal policies would be helpful.

• Experience using the Microsoft Office suite, particularly data analytics within Excel and developing briefing material with PowerPoint.