Demo

Nuclear Command, Control, Communications (NC3) SME

Sayres Defense
Arlington, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/17/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/16/2026

Sayres is seeking candidates for a Nuclear Command, Control, Communications (NC3) SME supporting Headquarters Air Force (HAF). This position is located in the NCR.


Summary


The NC3 Subject Matter Expert (SME) provides advanced technical, operational, and analytical expertise in support of the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications enterprise. This role requires deep understanding of NC2 authorities, command‑and‑control (C2) relationships, and the waveforms, technologies, and platforms associated with the NC3 weapon system (AN/USQ‑225). The SME will support mission analysis, capability development, system integration, and enterprise‑level assessments to ensure the reliability, survivability, and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear command and control architecture. This position requires an active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.


Roles/Responsibilities:



  • Provide subject‑matter expertise on NC2 authorities, C2 structures, and operational relationships across the nuclear enterprise.

  • Analyze, assess, and advise on NC3 system performance, architecture, and mission dependencies, with emphasis on the AN/USQ‑225 weapon system.

  • Evaluate NC3 waveforms, communication pathways, and supporting technologies to ensure resilient, secure, and survivable command‑and‑control capabilities.

  • Support development, modernization, and integration of NC3 capabilities across platforms, networks, and mission systems.

  • Conduct technical assessments, risk analyses, and mission impact studies related to NC3 operations, continuity, and system readiness.

  • Provide recommendations to senior leaders on NC3 enterprise improvements, capability gaps, and emerging technology impacts.

  • Develop technical documentation, briefings, and decision‑quality products for government stakeholders.

  • Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including operators, engineers, analysts, and program managers, to support enterprise‑wide NC3 initiatives.


Required Skills and Education:



  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, computer science, national security, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

  • Demonstrated experience with NC2 authorities, C2 relationships, and nuclear enterprise organizational structures.

  • Handson experience with NC3 systems, including the AN/USQ225 weapon system, associated platforms, and supporting technologies.

  • Strong understanding of NC3 waveforms, communication architectures, and missioncritical data pathways.

  • Experience supporting nuclear operations, strategic deterrence missions, or commandandcontrol system development.

  • Ability to analyze complex technical systems and translate findings into actionable recommendations for senior leadership.

  • Excellent communication skills and ability to produce highquality technical and operational documentation.


Security Clearance:



  • Top Secret with ability to obtain SCI


The position description is only meant to be a representative summary of the major responsibilities and accountabilities performed by the incumbents of this position. The incumbents may be requested to perform position-related tasks other than those stated in this description. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, disability or veteran status.


At Sayres, our employees enjoy an atmosphere conducive to realizing their potential through personal and professional development while simultaneously exceeding customers' expectations. We offer a broad spectrum of technical, engineering and administrative services including acquisition, financial and program management; fleet synthetic training; logistics; ship construction engineering; systems engineering and integration; wargaming; test and evaluation; security, counterintelligence and policy analysis and have been providing excellence in service to the Federal Government since 2001. Sayres is headquartered in Washington, DC with offices throughout the United States and has a presence abroad.


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Salary : $119,000 - $210,000

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