DOT Subject Matter Expert (SME) / Technical Lead

Subject Matter Expert (SME)

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) will lead technical and analytical efforts for the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Data Act Task Order. This role requires deep knowledge of cloud-based infrastructure design, data pipeline development, and compliance with federal data management standards. The SME will support system modernization efforts that enhance data reporting accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to Data Act requirements.

Role Responsibilities: Infrastructure & Automation

• Design and deploy scalable cloud infrastructure using Terraform and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles.
• Develop and maintain continuous deployment pipelines for AWS Lambda functions.
• Manage AWS environments including S3 storage, Lambda functions, and IAM policy configurations.
• Implement robust version control workflows using Git and GitHub for code management and collaboration.

Data Engineering & Development

• Build and optimize ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) workflows for NHTSA data systems using Python.
• Develop data processing frameworks utilizing pandas for manipulation, transformation, and analytical reporting.
• Create automated reporting systems leveraging openpyxl and reportlab for structured, repeatable Data Act reports.
• Design and implement RESTful API integrations to improve data ingestion from external and internal sources.
• Ensure pipeline resiliency through monitoring, error handling, and logging best practices.

Business Analysis & Requirements Management

• Elicit, document, and refine both technical and business requirements directly from government stakeholders.
• Translate Data Act reporting objectives into actionable technical implementation plans.
• Collaborate with project managers and development teams to define scope, deliverables, and acceptance criteria.
• Lead stakeholder working sessions and validation meetings to confirm compliance alignment and accuracy.

Process Documentation & Compliance

• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including system architecture diagrams, SOPs, and deployment playbooks, in accordance with ISO 9001 standards.
• Ensure all implemented solutions adhere to federal data security and compliance mandates.
• Support internal and external quality audits, contributing to continuous improvement of the organization's QMS.

Project Management & Collaboration

• Participate actively in Agile/Scrum ceremonies, supporting iterative delivery and sprint planning.
• Coordinate effectively within a federal contracting environment with emphasis on transparency, accountability, and compliance.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—project managers, developers, analysts—to ensure timely delivery of Data Act enhancements and updates.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• 8+ years of progressive experience in cloud infrastructure, data engineering, or technical program management.
• 3+ years supporting federal data reporting or transparency programs (preferably Data Act initiatives).
• Proficiency with AWS cloud services, Python, Terraform, and modern DevOps tools.
• Experience in government contracting and knowledge of FAR, OMB, and data security frameworks.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with the Department of Transportation
• Familiarity with NHTSA data architecture and reporting protocols.
• Experience implementing automated reporting and auditing tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.

Work Location & Schedule

• Hybrid schedule
• On-site presence at Savan Headquarters (Vienna, VA), client site in Washington, DC, and remote work as appropriate.

Application Process Submit your application to the link on this page. Applicants selected for interviews will be notified by email or phone. Compensation Savan believes in offering fair and competitive compensation to all employees. Our salary structures are based on industry standards, market conditions, and the specific demands of each role. Salary determination for potential new employees is influenced by a combination of factors, including years of experience, educational qualifications, specialized skills and expertise relevant to the job, complexity, and scope of the role's responsibilities, internal salary structures, as well as the geographic location of the job. Salary history will not be used in compensation decisions. EEO, including disability and veterans. Savan is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a workplace free of discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age (40 or older), marital status, disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request reasonable accommodation for the employment process, please email your request to View email address on click.appcast.io. For more information about our company, please visit our website at