OSINT Analyst/ Data Effects Cell (DEC)/Tactical Mission Networks (TMN)

We are seeking an experienced Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Analyst to support the Data Effects Cell (DEC) in delivering timely, accurate, and operationally relevant intelligence products to U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and supported partner units operating within the Tactical Mission Network (TMN) environment. The OSINT Analyst is a primary contributor to the cell's analytical output, responsible for the systematic collection, exploitation, and analysis of open source data to produce finished products that inform Special Operations planning, targeting, network analysis, and decision-making. This position requires a technically proficient and analytically disciplined OSINT practitioner who can navigate the full spectrum of open source environments — from surface web research and social media exploitation to dark web monitoring, commercial satellite imagery, and publicly available data aggregation — and translate those findings into actionable intelligence for a demanding SOF customer. The ideal candidate brings a combination of rigorous analytical processes, strong digital collection skills, and an operational mindset shaped by prior military or Special Operations support experience. EUCOM/SOCEUR priorities, and the unique political-military dynamics of Eastern Europe (EE) is a distinct advantage.

This position requires an active DoD Top Secret with SCI eligibility which requires US citizenship for work on DoD contracts.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Open-Source Collection & Exploitation

• Conduct systematic, methodical collection of open source intelligence across surface web, deep web, social media platforms, commercial data providers, foreign language sources, and publicly available government and commercial databases.
• Exploit publicly available information (PAI) to develop comprehensive profiles of individuals, organizations, facilities, networks, and geographic areas of interest relevant to USASOC mission sets.
• Monitor designated open source environments on a recurring basis to detect changes, emerging activities, or new information relevant to supported unit requirements and areas of interest.
• Identify, evaluate, and curate high-value open source data streams and providers, assessing their reliability, coverage, and operational utility for the DEC and the program's data strategy.
• Apply advanced search techniques, Boolean operators, and specialized OSINT tools and frameworks to maximize collection depth and efficiency across target sets.

OSINT Analysis & Finished Product Development

• Fuse open source collection with available classified and tactical data to produce multi-layered analytical assessments that provide context, correlation, and operational insight beyond what any single source can offer.
• Produce finished OSINT analytical products including threat assessments, personality profiles, network analyses, pattern-of-life products, facility assessments, and data visualization review (DVR) products in response to supported unit RFIs.
• Apply structured analytic techniques (SATs) to ensure OSINT-derived assessments are logically sound, properly sourced, and transparently caveated regarding source limitations and confidence levels.
• Maintain current analytical baselines on priority target sets, areas of interest, and threat actors within the supported unit's operational environment, enabling rapid response to emerging requirements.
• Develop tailored OSINT products formatted and classified appropriately for the intended audience, from staff action officers to senior SOF commanders.

Social Media Intelligence (SOCMINT)

• Conduct systematic social media exploitation across relevant platforms to identify persons of interest, track narratives, map social networks, and detect operationally significant activities or communications.
• Analyze social media metadata, geolocation data, imagery, and content to support pattern-of-life analysis, identity resolution, and network mapping for supported unit requirements.
• Monitor designated accounts, hashtags, communities, and platform activity for indicators of emerging threats, operational activity, or intelligence value relevant to USASOC mission sets.
• Apply digital forensics techniques to assess the authenticity, provenance, and reliability of social media content before incorporating it into finished analytical products.

Geospatial OSINT (GEOINT/OSINT Integration)

• Leverage commercially available satellite imagery, mapping platforms, street-level imagery, and geospatial data tools to conduct facility analysis, terrain assessment, route analysis, and change detection in support of SOF operations.
• Integrate open source geospatial data with classified GEOINT products to enrich spatial analysis and provide a more complete operational picture for supported units.
• Conduct georeferencing and geolocation analysis of open source imagery, video, and social media content to establish or confirm locations of operational interest.
• Support pattern-of-life and activity-based intelligence (ABI) analysis using open source location data, commercial telemetry, and publicly available movement information.

Network & Link Analysis

• Develop and maintain network diagrams, link charts, and relationship maps using open source data to support threat network analysis, key node identification, and targeting support for USASOC units.
• Identify financial, logistical, communication, and personal relationships within threat networks through open source research, supporting both analytical production and targeting workflows.
• Correlate open source network findings with classified reporting to build more complete and accurate network pictures for the supported unit's intelligence requirements.
• Support identity intelligence (I2) efforts by fusing open source PAI with available biometric, biographical, and behavioral data to resolve identities and close analytical gaps.

RFI Response & Data Visualization Support

• Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) from supported USASOC units, producing timely, well-sourced OSINT products that directly address the intelligence requirement.
• Collaborate with the DEC data science staff to develop data visualization review (DVR) products that effectively communicate OSINT findings through geospatial, graphical, and interactive formats.
• Manage multiple concurrent RFIs at varying priority levels, maintaining quality and source integrity under competing deadlines.
• Maintain an organized archive of OSINT collection, analytical products, and source documentation to support recurring requirements and reduce duplicative research efforts.

Source Validation & Data Provider Assessment

• Evaluate the credibility, reliability, and operational value of open source data providers, commercial data vendors, and OSINT tools being considered for use by the DEC or the broader program.
• Develop and apply source validation methodologies to assess the accuracy and provenance of open source information before it is incorporated into analytical products or shared with the supported unit.
• Provide recommendations to the Data Strategist on OSINT data providers and tools that offer high value for USASOC mission support, including cost-benefit analysis of commercial data subscriptions.
• Identify gaps in current OSINT collection coverage and recommend new sources, platforms, or collection approaches to address shortfalls.

Legal, Ethical & OPSEC Compliance

• Conduct all OSINT collection activities in strict compliance with applicable U.S. law, DoD policy, Executive Orders, and USASOC directives governing the collection and use of publicly available information.
• Maintain rigorous OPSEC discipline throughout all collection and research activities to protect the identities of personnel, the existence of the program, and the methods used in OSINT collection.
• Ensure all products are properly sourced, classified, and marked in accordance with applicable classification guidance, clearly distinguishing open source from classified information within finished products.
• Stay current on evolving legal and policy frameworks governing OSINT, PAI exploitation, and the use of commercially available data in DoD intelligence operations.

Collaboration & Knowledge Management

• Work closely with DEC cell members — including the Coordinator, data scientists, and all source analysts — to integrate OSINT findings into broader analytical products and ensure open source collection is synchronized with overall cell priorities.
• Maintain well-organized records of collection activities, source assessments, and finished products in designated knowledge management systems.
• Share emerging OSINT findings, new source discoveries, and tool updates with the broader cell to continuously improve collective analytical capability.
• Participate in targeting boards, intelligence working groups, and analytical reviews with the supported unit as required.

Required Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Intelligence Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Communications, Computer Science, or a related field; equivalent military education and experience will be considered in lieu of degree.
• 4+ years of experience as an OSINT analyst or all source analyst with a demonstrated OSINT specialization in a DoD, IC, or defense contracting environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency with OSINT collection tools and frameworks (e.g., Maltego, Babel Street, Palantir, Echosec, Skopenow, SpiderFoot, or comparable platforms).
• Hands-on experience with social media exploitation, PAI collection, and open source network analysis techniques.
• Proficiency with geospatial tools (e.g., Google Earth Pro, ArcGIS, Sentinel Hub, or comparable platforms) for imagery analysis and georeferencing tasks.
• Familiarity with structured analytic techniques (SATs) and their application to OSINT-derived analytical products.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise, properly sourced finished intelligence products under time pressure.
• Working knowledge of legal and policy frameworks governing OSINT collection and PAI exploitation in DoD environments.
• Active DoD Top Secret or TS/SCI security clearance required

Desired Skills/Experience:

• Prior U.S. military service as an intelligence analyst (35F, 35G, 18F, or equivalent) with demonstrated OSINT collection and exploitation experience in support of Special Operations units or task forces.
• Direct experience supporting USASOC, USSOCOM, a Special Operations Task Force (SOTF), or a Theater Special Operations Command (TSOC) in an OSINT or all source analytical role.
• Experience with dark web monitoring, foreign language OSINT collection, or advanced digital forensics techniques applicable to SOF analytical requirements.
• Familiarity with identity intelligence (I2), activity-based intelligence (ABI), and SOF targeting processes including Joint Targeting School methodology.
• Experience with commercial geospatial and data providers (e.g., Maxar, Planet Labs, Hawkeye 360, Veraset, or similar) and their application to SOF OSINT requirements.
• Familiarity with TMN architectures and the data environments supporting SOF at the tactical level.
• Knowledge of the EUCOM/Eastern European operational environment, relevant threat actors, or regional open source ecosystems applicable to USASOC mission sets.
• OSINT-specific training or certification (e.g., OSMOSIS, Trace Labs, OPSEC Professionals OSINT courses, or equivalent).
• Prefer DoD TS SCI with NATO security clearance

#CJPOST

The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

The proposed salary for this position is:

$155,000—$183,000 USD

At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.

We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.

SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.

Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).