Functional Expert

What We're Looking For:

We are seeking a highly skilled and mission-driven specialist to support the Department of War’s Foreign Clearance Program (FCP), including operational policy development, global access analysis, APACS system support, cybersecurity oversight, and international engagement. This role is critical to ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient movement of aircraft and personnel across international borders.

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical skills, technical proficiency, and the ability to apply policy within complex international environments.

This position is contingent upon award.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Policy & Global Access

• Develop and refine operational concepts for aircraft and personnel clearances, including passport policy.
• Draft and recommend updates to overseas travel regulations based on emerging guidance.
• Analyze global access and overflight challenges; deliver recommendations to maximize airspace access.
• Research and assess international sovereignty policies and technical structures such as Flight Information Regions.

Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) Management

• Maintain and update both classified and unclassified FCG websites.
• Preserve an electronic archive of historical FCG versions.
• Review, edit, and validate high-volume annual content changes for compliance with U.S. and international law.

APACS Support & System Administration

• Provide on-site subject-matter expertise, policy guidance, and user support for APACS on NIPRNET and SIPRNET.
• Resolve user inquiries, manage trouble tickets, and support APACS’s 1.1M+ user base.
• Support application updates, upgrades, bug fixes, API integration, and server patch coordination with DISA.
• Track and consolidate system enhancement requests for the Configuration Control Board (CCB).
• Implement CCB-approved changes and develop new software capabilities to meet emerging program needs.

Development, Testing & Cybersecurity

• Maintain a secure development, build, and testing environment for APACS and FCG systems.
• Conduct code security scanning and corrective actions prior to deployment.
• Perform comprehensive system testing, validation, and evaluation of findings.
• Serve as or coordinate with the Information System Security Manager (ISSM) to manage RMF/eMASS activities and maintain the system Authority to Operate (ATO).
• Sustain configuration management processes including version control, change documentation, and release tracking.

Training & Outreach

• Develop and deliver Foreign Clearance Program training to U.S. Embassy Attachés, passport agents, and other stakeholders.
• Lead outreach initiatives to strengthen awareness and understanding of FCP policies across the workforce.

Prime Nuclear Airlift Force (PNAF) Support

• Provide technical analysis and support diplomatic clearance requirements for PNAF aircraft contained in the FCG and Special Weapons Overflight Guide (SWOG).

Qualifications

Required:

• Candidate must have a least a Bachelors Degree from an accredited program
• At least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in policy development, international operations, aviation operations, or related fields.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret complex international regulations.
• Technical proficiency in system administration, software support, or application lifecycle processes.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks such as RMF and eMASS.
• Ability to manage sensitive information and maintain high attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Skilled in MS office suite
• Works independently, proactively identifies, and completes task.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple teams, stakeholders, and SMEs

Preferred:

• Experience with APACS, FCG, or DoD travel systems.
• Prior work involving international sovereignty policies, Freedom of Navigation, or global airspace access.
• Experience supporting high-visibility or mission-critical DoD programs.

Security Clearance and Where You'll Work

• Applicants selected must be a U.S. Citizen and currently hold a Secret security clearance.
• This position is onsite in Washington, DC