Rapid Prototyping SME (TS/SCI with Poly)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Rapid Prototyping SME (TS/SCI with Poly)
Company: SOLERITY
Location: Annapolis Junction, MD
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Information Technology & Engineering Operations
Date Posted: 2025-09-30
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for providing advanced subject matter expertise in rapid prototyping within the Intelligence Community, leveraging a TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph.
• The position involves designing and building proof-of-concepts and prototypes to support experimentation and innovation for federal government clients.
• Successful candidates will possess strong cross-domain technical knowledge and practical experience in agile prototyping methodologies.
• This role directly contributes to Solerity's mission of delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective IT, Engineering, Program Management, and Consulting services.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description focuses on technical prototyping, the context of "Rapid Prototyping SME" within Solerity's service offerings to the U.S. Federal Government and Intel Community implies a need for operational excellence in how these prototypes are developed, tested, and integrated. This suggests a potential overlap with GTM (Go-To-Market) operations in terms of understanding client needs and demonstrating value through tangible solutions. The "hybrid" work arrangement also necessitates operational considerations for remote collaboration and resource management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide expert subject matter expertise in rapid prototyping techniques and methodologies.
• Design and develop proof-of-concepts (PoCs) that demonstrate technical feasibility and potential solutions.
• Build functional prototypes to validate designs, test hypotheses, and support experimentation initiatives.
• Support ongoing experimentation efforts by providing technical insights and rapid iteration capabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate hardware and software components effectively.
• Apply agile development principles to accelerate the prototyping lifecycle and deliver results efficiently.
• Contribute to Solerity's project success by ensuring innovative and cost-effective solutions are developed and presented.
• Maintain a deep understanding of cross-domain technical landscapes to inform prototyping efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are heavily technical. However, for a "SME" role, operational excellence in knowledge transfer, documentation of learning from prototypes, and efficient use of resources (time, materials) would be implied. The "hybrid" work arrangement also implies a need for operational coordination and communication to ensure seamless project execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical field is typically expected for a Subject Matter Expert role of this nature. Advanced degrees may be preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 2-5 years of progressive experience in IT, engineering, or a related technical field with a specific focus on rapid prototyping.
• Proven experience in designing and building proof-of-concepts (PoCs) and prototypes.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a hybrid or agile development environment.

Required Skills:

• TS/SCI with Polygraph Clearance: Mandatory for access to sensitive government and intelligence community projects.
• Agile Prototyping: Expertise in rapid iteration, quick development cycles, and adapting to evolving requirements.
• Hardware/Software Integration: Proven ability to seamlessly combine hardware and software components into functional systems.
• Cross-Domain Technical Knowledge: Broad understanding of various technological domains to facilitate integrated solutions.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Deep knowledge in specific areas of IT, engineering, or relevant technology.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific prototyping tools and platforms relevant to the intelligence community.
• Familiarity with various programming languages and development environments.
• Experience in client-facing roles, presenting technical concepts and prototype demonstrations.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles as they apply to prototype development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "SME" designation implies a level of expertise that goes beyond basic proficiency. The experience level of "2-5 years" is a guideline, but demonstrated impact and breadth of knowledge in the required skills will be critical. The TS/SCI with Poly requirement is a non-negotiable operational gatekeeper for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Prototyping Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed examples of successful proof-of-concepts or prototypes designed and built. Each case study should highlight the problem statement, your role, the technologies used, the development process, and the outcome or impact.
• Agile Methodology Application: Evidence of applying agile principles in prototyping projects, demonstrating iterative development, feedback loops, and adaptability.
• Integration Examples: Documentation or descriptions of successful hardware/software integration projects, emphasizing problem-solving and technical solutions.
• Cross-Domain Project Examples: Portfolio pieces that illustrate the ability to bridge technical gaps between different domains (e.g., software to hardware, network to application).

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document the prototyping process, including design choices, technology selection rationale, and lessons learned.
• Clear articulation of how experimental findings from prototypes informed subsequent development or decision-making.
• Understanding of how to manage dependencies and workflows in a rapid iteration environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a technical prototyping role, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical skills. The emphasis should be on tangible outputs and the processes used to achieve them, rather than just theoretical knowledge. This section is vital for assessing the candidate's operational capability in delivering functional prototypes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the TS/SCI with Poly clearance requirement, the mid-level experience (2-5 years), and the Annapolis Junction, MD location (a high-cost-of-living and high-demand area for cleared professionals), the estimated annual salary range is $120,000 - $160,000. This range reflects industry benchmarks for similar roles requiring high-level security clearances and specialized technical skills in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Financial Wellness: Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company-funded life insurance.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and flexible work schedule options (onsite, hybrid, or remote as dictated by position).
• Professional Development: Tuition and training assistance to support continuous learning and skill enhancement.
• Employee Recognition & Perks: Financial rewards for employee referrals, pet insurance, and an employee discount program.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility in how these hours are distributed between on-site and remote work, subject to specific project and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry data for cleared professionals in the Maryland/DC area, balancing mid-level experience with the high demand and security requirements. The benefits package is extensive and aligns with competitive offerings for government contracting firms. The flexibility in work schedule is a key operational component for employee satisfaction and retention.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology, Engineering Services, Program Management, and Consulting Services. Solerity primarily serves the U.S. Federal Government and the Intelligence Community. Company Size: Solerity is a mid-sized company, typically indicating a structure that balances established processes with agility and a close-knit team environment. This size often means more direct impact opportunities for individuals. Founded: Solerity was founded in 2014, positioning it as a relatively modern and dynamic company with established federal contracting experience.

Team Structure:

• The Rapid Prototyping SME will likely be part of a specialized technical team or a broader engineering/IT solutions group.
• Reporting is expected to be to a technical lead or program manager who oversees project execution and client delivery.
• Collaboration will be extensive with other technical SMEs, software developers, hardware engineers, cybersecurity analysts, and potentially project managers and client liaisons.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Innovation: Emphasis on using data derived from prototypes and experiments to inform strategic decisions and client solutions.
• Agile & Iterative Development: Core to the prototyping function, ensuring rapid delivery and continuous improvement.
• Client-Centric Solutions: Focus on understanding and meeting the unique, often complex, needs of federal and intelligence community clients.
• Continuous Learning: Encouragement of ongoing skill development to stay ahead of technological advancements and evolving threat landscapes.

Company Website: https://www.solerity.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Solerity's focus on the federal and intelligence sectors implies a culture of security, precision, and mission-orientation. The company's founding date suggests a blend of established practices and modern approaches. The hybrid work arrangement indicates trust and a focus on results over strict location-based presence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) at a mid-career level. It requires a deep technical specialization in rapid prototyping, with the expectation of providing guidance and leading technical aspects of projects. Reporting Structure: Typically, an SME reports to a technical manager or program lead. This structure allows for direct contribution to projects while also providing a pathway for technical leadership and mentorship. Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, as successful prototypes and proof-of-concepts directly influence client decision-making, technology adoption, and the development of advanced solutions for critical national security missions. The efficiency and effectiveness of the prototyping process directly contribute to Solerity's reputation and success in winning and executing contracts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Leadership: Progression to lead prototyping teams, architect complex solutions, or become a principal SME.
• Specialization Expansion: Deepening expertise in niche areas of rapid prototyping or expanding into related fields like AI/ML development, advanced cybersecurity, or specific hardware engineering.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and technicians, sharing expertise and guiding their development.
• Project Management: Potential to move into project management roles by leveraging a strong understanding of technical execution and client needs.
• Cross-Functional Roles: Opportunities to transition into roles focused on R&D strategy, business development support, or technical consulting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The SME designation implies a career path focused on deep technical expertise rather than pure management. Growth opportunities will likely involve increasing technical responsibility, leading complex initiatives, and potentially influencing organizational strategy in prototyping and innovation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Solerity operates within a government contracting environment, which often means working in secure facilities, potentially classified spaces, or dedicated client sites. The hybrid model indicates that while some on-site presence is required, there's flexibility. Office Location(s): Annapolis Junction, MD, is strategically located within the Baltimore-Washington corridor, a hub for federal agencies and intelligence community operations. This location provides proximity to key clients and partners.

Workspace Context:

• Secure Environment: Access to secure facilities may be required, impacting work flexibility and technology usage.
• Collaborative Spaces: The hybrid model suggests that on-site days will involve collaboration in shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially labs equipped for prototyping.
• Technology-Rich: Access to advanced hardware, software, and networking tools necessary for rapid prototyping and experimentation.
• Mission-Focused: A work environment driven by the specific needs and objectives of government and intelligence community clients.

Work Schedule: The hybrid arrangement allows for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work. This requires strong organizational skills and effective communication to manage tasks, attend virtual meetings, and ensure project continuity regardless of location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is heavily influenced by the security requirements of the TS/SCI with Poly clearance and the nature of work with federal and intelligence clients. The hybrid model is a key operational consideration, requiring proactive communication and task management to bridge physical distances.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to verify basic qualifications, including clearance status and general experience.
• Technical Interview(s): Series of interviews with hiring managers, technical leads, and potential team members. These will focus on assessing your expertise in rapid prototyping, agile methodologies, hardware/software integration, and cross-domain knowledge. Expect scenario-based questions and technical deep dives.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, explaining your projects, methodologies, and outcomes. Be prepared to discuss challenges, solutions, and the impact of your work.
• Security & Clearance Verification: Formal process to confirm and validate your TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.
• Final Offer: Based on successful completion of all previous stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select portfolio pieces that most closely align with the job description's requirements (agile prototyping, integration, cross-domain).
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your prototypes (e.g., reduced development time, improved performance, validated key features).
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the challenges encountered, your solutions, and the ultimate outcome or learning.
• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical details of your work, including tools, languages, architectures, and integration strategies.
• Process Clarity: Explain your prototyping methodology and how you adapted to project needs or feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Prototyping Scenario: You may be given a hypothetical problem and asked to outline your approach to designing and building a proof-of-concept or prototype. Focus on your thought process, technical considerations, and iterative steps.
• Integration Problem: Be ready to discuss how you would approach integrating disparate systems or components.
• Agile Application: Prepare to explain how you would implement agile principles in a rapid prototyping context, especially within a secure government environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is rigorous due to the security clearance and specialized technical requirements. The portfolio review is a critical component, serving as a practical demonstration of operational capability. Candidates should prepare to articulate their technical process and impact clearly and concisely.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping Platforms: Experience with various rapid prototyping tools and environments relevant to government/intel applications.
• Development Environments (IDEs): Proficiency in IDEs such as Visual Studio, VS Code, Eclipse, or others depending on the specific technology stack.
• Version Control Systems: Git (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket) is standard for managing code and collaboration.
• Containerization: Docker, Kubernetes for packaging and deploying applications and services.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for prototyping, understanding how to instrument prototypes for data collection and analysis is valuable. Tools might include basic logging frameworks or specific monitoring tools.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core prototyping function, but awareness of how prototypes might integrate with larger enterprise systems or leverage automation frameworks for testing is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Rapid Prototyping SME is broad and depends heavily on the specific projects and client needs. The emphasis is on versatility and the ability to quickly learn and apply new tools and technologies. Familiarity with common development tools and methodologies is essential for operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting national security objectives through innovative technological solutions.
• Integrity & Security: Upholding the highest standards of security, ethics, and confidentiality, especially given the clearance requirements.
• Excellence & Innovation: Driving for high-quality outcomes and continuously seeking novel approaches to problem-solving.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve common goals, fostering an environment of mutual respect and shared success.
• Adaptability: Embracing change and quickly adjusting to evolving project requirements and technological landscapes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with engineers, developers, analysts, and project managers to ensure seamless integration of prototypes into broader systems.
• Open Communication: Maintaining transparent and frequent communication, especially in a hybrid environment, to ensure alignment and efficient progress.
• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise, mentor colleagues, and contribute to the collective knowledge base of the team.
• Feedback-Driven: Open to constructive feedback on prototypes and processes, using it to refine solutions and improve methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Solerity's culture, serving the government and intel community, will emphasize trust, reliability, and a strong sense of duty. The "operations" aspect of team culture focuses on how these values translate into daily work practices and collaborative efforts.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Pace: The need to develop and iterate quickly, often with tight deadlines and evolving requirements.
• Complexity of Integration: Bridging gaps between diverse hardware, software, and network systems can be technically challenging.
• Security Constraints: Operating within strict security protocols and potentially limited access to external resources.
• Keeping Pace with Technology: The rapid evolution of technology requires continuous learning and adaptation.
• Hybrid Work Coordination: Managing communication and collaboration effectively across different work locations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to courses and certifications in emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and specialized engineering fields.
• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend events focused on prototyping, R&D, and government IT solutions.
• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship from senior technical leaders within Solerity.
• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of projects for different government agencies, broadening technical experience and understanding of operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the role and the industry. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening technical expertise and expanding the scope of influence within the organization and for its clients.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex hardware/software integration challenge you faced and how you overcame it." Focus on your problem-solving process, technical choices, and the outcome.
• "Walk us through a proof-of-concept or prototype you designed. What was the objective, your approach, and what did you learn?" Be ready to present specific examples from your portfolio.
• "How would you approach building a prototype for [hypothetical scenario relevant to the client's mission] given limited time and resources?" Emphasize your methodology, prioritization, and risk mitigation.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with Solerity and serving the federal/intelligence community?" Research Solerity's mission and values.
• "How do you stay current with rapidly evolving technologies relevant to rapid prototyping?" Highlight your commitment to continuous learning.
• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or agile environment. What are the key operational considerations for success?" Discuss your communication and collaboration strategies.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Problem -> Solution (Your Role/Approach) -> Technical Details -> Outcome/Impact -> Lessons Learned.
• Visuals: Use clear diagrams, screenshots, or short videos to illustrate your prototypes and integration concepts.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a set timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate technical and process-related questions and have well-thought-out answers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the practical application of skills and the ability to articulate complex technical concepts and project outcomes clearly. The portfolio is your primary tool for demonstrating operational capability and technical depth.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Solerity careers portal.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your most relevant projects that showcase agile prototyping, hardware/software integration, and cross-domain technical expertise. Quantify the impact of your work with metrics where possible.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description such as "Rapid Prototyping," "TS/SCI with Poly," "Agile," "Hardware/Software Integration," and "Subject Matter Expertise." Clearly list your years of experience and specific technical skills.
• Interview Practice: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear explanations of your technical approach, problem-solving skills, and project outcomes. Prepare for scenario-based technical questions.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Solerity's mission, values, and recent projects, particularly those involving the federal government or intelligence community, to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details regarding security clearance requirements, specific project details, and exact interview processes should be verified directly with Solerity during the application and interview stages. The TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance is a mandatory prerequisite for this role.