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Hiring now · posted today General Contract · On-site / hybrid

Naval Subject Matter Expert (Cleared)

$50–$100/hr

Published pay. The final rate depends on your test, experience and country.

on-site, Arlington, VA or DC-area, US 15 openings Language: English Posted 28 Oct 2026

About this role

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Role Title: Naval Subject Matter Expert (Cleared)

Role Type: Contractor

Location: on-site, Arlington, VA or DC-area, US.

our partner is engaging Naval Subject Matter Expert (Cleared) professionals to contribute critical naval and maritime expertise to a customer’s high-impact project shaping Navy decision-making at the Pentagon. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input. No prior experience in AI is required — your domain knowledge is what matters. You'll leverage operational, programmatic, or intelligence backgrounds to deliver nuanced analysis, actionable recommendations, and clear written or verbal briefings in a secure environment.

Scope of Work

  • Develop and deliver expert analysis on naval operations, platforms, and doctrine based on direct fleet, program, or intelligence experience.
  • Assess and synthesize classified and unclassified operational or program data to create recommendations supporting Navy planning and requirements.
  • Draft concise, actionable written assessments and prepare high-level briefings for senior military and civilian leadership audiences.
  • Coordinate across Navy, DoD, Intelligence Community, and industry stakeholders to gather insights and ensure alignment with mission goals.
  • Interpret and communicate recent developments in naval capabilities and maritime security relevant to the customer's objectives.
  • Safeguard and handle classified materials (TS/SCI level) in accordance with project and facility protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Minimum 10 years of experience in U.S. Navy, MARAD/DOT, or comparable maritime/defense roles; O-4/O-5, GS-13/14-equivalent, or proven subject-matter authority.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance strongly preferred; at minimum, Secret clearance held within the last 24 months and eligibility for TS/SCI reinstatement.
  • Demonstrated skill briefing and writing for executive or flag-level leadership within defense or government contexts.
  • Familiarity with Pentagon processes, OPNAV, NAVSEA, or PEO environments, and cross-stakeholder coordination.
  • Track record of analytical judgment in classified or high-stakes project environments.
  • Background in intelligence analysis or experience within the Intelligence Community considered a strong asset.
  • Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as national security, defense studies, or engineering, is desirable.

Location: United States.

Naval domain depthClassified-environment fluencyStakeholder navigationAnalytical judgmentBriefing to leadership

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What to know before you apply

Pay
At the published rate, 10 hours a week would be about $500–$1,000 and 20 hours about $1,000–$2,000 before tax. Hours depend on the project, so treat this as a ceiling, not a promise.
Location
Only applicants located in United States can be paid for this role. Platforms usually verify where you are, so apply only if you are based there.
Credentials
The listing asks for 10+ years of experience. Put it in the first line of your profile: reviewers screen for it before anything else.
Timing
This listing is new today. Projects can close once they have enough people, so it is worth applying while it is open.
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