Senior Scientist

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

The Acquisition and Technology Analysis Group within JOID specializes in the application of multi-disciplinary analytic skills to support multiple clients within the Department of Defense (DoD). These clients include the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)), DARPA, the Joint Staff, and USINDOPACOM. SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have an immediate need for a Senior Scientist to provide onsite support in Arlington, VA.

The candidate will support the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in addressing scientific and technical frameworks for investments in high-risk, high-reward research and development (R&D) projects. The candidate will assist Tactical Technology Office (TTO) executive leadership and program managers in developing and initiating new efforts, and in overseeing subsequent project execution and transition. A key element of this is proactive communication, both written and oral, with key stakeholders. The candidate is expected to function as part of a strongly collaborative scientific and technical team, but also to act independently to complete time-critical tasks. Tasks include scientific and technical analysis, development of broadly understandable explanatory documentation for deeply technical programs, monitoring of ongoing research and development programs, and reporting to office leadership. This position also includes identifying national security challenges and participating in the development of portfolio-level strategies to address them.

This is an on-site position in Arlington, VA. Up to 20% travel may be required.

Required:

MS/MA degree in a technical field (engineering, math, sciences) with 15 years of relevant experience since BS/BA, including extensive interaction with DARPA, coupled with expert credentials or being a recognized technical authority
• Active TS/SCI clearance and eligible for Special Access Programs
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the mature judgment and attention to detail required to advise senior government personnel
• Ability to perform top-level technical analyses and assessments of new ideas for physical consistency, military utility, technology risk, and cost impacts
• Self-starter with the ability to rapidly grasp ideas and issues in a broad range of technology areas, incorporate strategic vision and direction from leadership, and develop turnkey presentations suitable for DoD senior executives and flag officers
• Demonstrated experience in developing independent conclusions on R&D and engineering issues, resolving important questions, planning and coordinating work, and troubleshooting complex technical problems
• Demonstrated ability to communicate program and technical topics by creating high-quality documents and presentations in clear, concise and compelling terms for both technical and non-technical audiences, with minimal assistance from other staff
• Strong organizational skills and proficiency with modern PC computer system and applications such as Microsoft 365, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Desired:

• PhD in a technical field with 15 years relevant experience since BS/BA
• Experience managing R&D programs from inception to closeout
• Experience as a DARPA Program Manager or senior SETA contractor at DARPA, to include at least ten years extensive experience, background and knowledge of one or more DARPA programs, and at least three years of experience working with DARPA Program Managers
• Being a recognized authority in one or more aspects of military platform innovation, missionized autonomy, innovative methods of design space exploration and systems engineering, and/or affordable and responsive manufacturing techniques
• Published articles in a field of scientific, engineering, or technical expertise