What does a subject matter expert do?
A subject matter expert is someone who has special knowledge and expertise about a specific process or service, providing advice to other team members or directly assisting customers with their inquiries and concerns. Subject matter experts coordinate on planning strategic procedures to improve the work processes and ensure customer satisfaction. They are also active in participating in learning programs and training sessions to share their knowledge and best practices for their specialization. Subject matter experts identify potential business opportunities to generate more revenues for the business and achieve its profitability goals.
Subject matter expert responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real subject matter expert resumes:
- Prepare custom perl scripts to automate various monitoring functions.
- Manage PKI SSL web certificates for Linux and Unix servers.
- Manage the multiple CSS's require by the different organizations.
- Develop stored procedures and complex packages using PL/SQL, manage DBA activities.
- Manage the on-the-job training (OJT) of all new personnel on equipment and SIGINT analytical procedures
- Participate in and hold daily scrum meetings to perform iterative and incremental agile software development framework when managing product development.
- Maintain a configuration management database, end-of-life cycle charts, and emerging technology program.
- Integrate FI with SD for additional functionalities in FSCM.
- Develop PL/SQL procedures and functions for calling within ETL tool.
- Work with users to define requirements and create processing using Visio.
- Serve as SME/liaison for all DHS datasets used in DoJ data warehouses.
- Maintain Linux systems serving as firewall, mail servers, DHCP and DNS servers.
- Used Visio to create flowcharts for upcoming changes and present that to several teams.
- Experience in debugging the customized ABAP programs in case of errors while uploading data.
- Assist in creating SQL database maintenance logs and presenting any issues to the database architects.
Subject matter expert skills and personality traits
We calculated that 18% of Subject Matter Experts are proficient in SME, Project Management, and DOD. They’re also known for soft skills such as Interpersonal skills, Problem-solving skills, and Time-management skills.
We break down the percentage of Subject Matter Experts that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- SME, 18%
Contributed SME skills to external manufacturing by creating plan and reviewing stability data and protocols from contract manufacturer.
- Project Management, 6%
Collaborated with Project Management functions and based on individual subject matter areas of focus and availability, determine appropriate project assignments.
- DOD, 6%
Applied digital video and photographic enhancement techniques including application specific image compression CODECS / algorithms, supporting DOD forensic analysis efforts.
- Logistics, 4%
Developed logistics support, research, and analysis of wireless/emergency communications policies and initiatives (both verbal and written).
- Customer Service, 4%
Focused primarily on achieving excellent customer service by leading process improvement activities, process and product optimization strategies and technology development.
- Windows, 4%
Perform Ad-Hoc tasks ranging from creating Windows shell scripts for monitoring/administrative purposes to performing database tuning.
"sme," "project management," and "dod" are among the most common skills that subject matter experts use at work. You can find even more subject matter expert responsibilities below, including:
Interpersonal skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a subject matter expert to have is interpersonal skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "management analysts work with managers and other employees of the organizations for which they provide consulting services." Subject matter experts often use interpersonal skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "applied interpersonal, analytical and computer skills to troubleshoot incoming problems and disbursed cases to the appropriate information systems team members. "
Problem-solving skills. Another essential skill to perform subject matter expert duties is problem-solving skills. Subject matter experts responsibilities require that "management analysts must be able to think creatively to solve clients’ problems." Subject matter experts also use problem-solving skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "assisted with disn video services global customers with registration documentation, impact resolution and overall customer support. "
Time-management skills. This is an important skill for subject matter experts to perform their duties. For an example of how subject matter expert responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "management analysts often work under tight deadlines and must use their time efficiently to complete projects on schedule." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a subject matter expert: "collaborated by working with a team to ensure cms stringent deadlines were met. ".
Analytical skills. For certain subject matter expert responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "analytical skills." The day-to-day duties of a subject matter expert rely on this skill, as "management analysts must be able to interpret information and use their findings to make proposals." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what subject matter experts do: "direct customer support integrating data reporting tools such as oracle discoverer. "
Communication skills. Another common skill required for subject matter expert responsibilities is "communication skills." This skill comes up in the duties of subject matter experts all the time, as "management analysts must be able to convey information clearly in both writing and speaking." An excerpt from a real subject matter expert resume shows how this skill is central to what a subject matter expert does: "maintained close communications with r&d; and customer support departments to ensure successful resolutions were met. "
The three companies that hire the most subject matter experts are:
- Rocket Software108 subject matter experts jobs
- Oracle83 subject matter experts jobs
- ICF58 subject matter experts jobs
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Compare different subject matter experts
Subject matter expert vs. Program analyst
The job of program analysts is to plan, manage, and evaluate a company's computer programs. They usually perform different tasks, including researching and analyzing complex data to identify trends and offer the best recommendations for improvements. Other duties for this position may include creating policies and procedures, monitoring and evaluating program performance, and resolving any issues. This role's skills and requirements include a bachelor's degree in computer science, business, or related field. Previous work experience as a program analyst and critical thinking skills are also valued.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between subject matter experts and program analyst. For instance, subject matter expert responsibilities require skills such as "customer satisfaction," "troubleshoot," "technical expertise," and "linux." Whereas a program analyst is skilled in "veterans," "program management," "program analysis," and "rehabilitation." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Program analysts earn the highest salaries when working in the professional industry, with an average yearly salary of $79,942. On the other hand, subject matter experts are paid more in the energy industry with an average salary of $114,112.The education levels that program analysts earn slightly differ from subject matter experts. In particular, program analysts are 2.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a subject matter expert. Additionally, they're 1.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Subject matter expert vs. Analyst
Analysts are employees or individual contributors with a vast experience in a particular field that help the organization address challenges. They help the organization improve processes, policies, and other operations protocol by studying the current processes in place and determining the effectiveness of those processes. They also research industry trends and data to make sound inferences and recommendations on what the company should do to improve their numbers. Analysts recommend business solutions and often help the organization roll out these solutions. They ensure that the proposed action plans are effective and produce the desired results.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real subject matter expert resumes. While subject matter expert responsibilities can utilize skills like "logistics," "windows," "customer satisfaction," and "technical support," analysts use skills like "strong analytical," "digital transformation," "data entry," and "work ethic."
Analysts may earn a lower salary than subject matter experts, but analysts earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $79,330. On the other hand, subject matter experts receive higher pay in the energy industry, where they earn an average salary of $114,112.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Analysts tend to reach similar levels of education than subject matter experts. In fact, they're 3.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Subject matter expert vs. Process analyst
A process analyst is also known as an operations research analyst, who evaluates in detail the steps in producing products and making important decisions as well as providing recommendations on how to enhance them. They are IT specialists that analyze the business process and workflows to determine how they can be computerized and improved. Responsibilities include identifying problems and risks as well as engaging in problem resolution. Important skills to consider for applicants include being innovative thinkers and goal-oriented.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a subject matter expert is likely to be skilled in "dod," "customer satisfaction," "technical support," and "technical expertise," while a typical process analyst is skilled in "continuous improvement," "sigma," "business processes," and "lean six sigma."
Process analysts make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $93,338. On the other hand, subject matter experts are paid the highest salary in the energy industry, with average annual pay of $114,112.Most process analysts achieve a similar degree level compared to subject matter experts. For example, they're 2.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Subject matter expert vs. Technical business analyst
As a technical business analyst, one oversees the technical business project and solution implementation. Technical business analysts work with the technical team members and stakeholders for the mapping, analysis, and documentation of business projects and processes. People in the business world consider them as market technicians, chartists, securities traders, or researchers. The job also involves the documentation of redesigned computer systems and applications. Skills in computer programming, leadership, communication, and management are necessary.
Types of subject matter expert
Updated January 8, 2025
