Please contact your Administrator to change your authorization settings.
| ID | 2024-18666 | Category | Program Management | Security Clearance Requirement | Secret | Type | Regular Full-Time | Level | Senior |
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 provides the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) technical expertise for decision support to ensure technical overmatch for the U.S. Armed Forces against any potential adversaries. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled exploring cutting-edge technology and helping government program managers evaluate, select, and manage research programs to transition promising technologies and ensure U.S. military forces retain technological superiority in the future.
SPA has an immediate need for a Senior Scientist with expertise involving space flight systems to provide onsite support in Arlington, VA.
The Senior Scientist will support the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in addressing the scientific rationale for investments in high-risk, high-reward technology research and development (R&D) efforts, primarily in the field of space-based platforms and systems. Will apply expertise and experience to assist Tactical Technology Office (TTO) executive leadership and program managers in identifying areas worthy of scientific exploration; and in developing, initiating, managing, and transitioning R&D projects. This position has a particular emphasis on working with program managers, industry, and academia to identify promising technological frontiers and refine broad concepts into focused program initiation pitches suitable for approval by DARPA executive leadership. Will assist leadership in identifying national security challenges and participate in the development of portfolio-level strategies to address them.
Required Qualifications:
- Active TS/SCI clearance and eligible for Special Access Programs
- Experience as a DARPA Program Manager or senior SETA contractor at DARPA
- Demonstrated experience in a space-related technical, managerial, and/or scientific field; expert credentials or being a recognized authority involving space flight systems ranging from very low Earth orbit to deep space
- Possess a broad understanding of previous classified DARPA space projects
- Self-starter with the ability to quickly grasp problems in a broad range of military technology areas and to initiate and evaluate revolutionary concepts relevant to TTO
- Ability to perform top-level technical analyses and assessments of new ideas for physical consistency, military utility, technology risk, and cost impacts
- Demonstrated ability to develop conclusions independently on R&D engineering problems and methods, resolving important questions, planning and coordinating work, and rapidly troubleshooting complex technical problems
- Demonstrated experience in the use of advanced techniques, theories, precepts, and practices in a space-related scientific or technical discipline
- Strong oral and written communication skills, with the mature judgment required to advise senior government personnel
Desired Qualifications:
- PhD in a technical field with 15 years of relevant experience
- Experience with basic, applied research and advanced technology development
- Experience managing R&D programs from inception to closeout
- At least ten years extensive experience, background, and knowledge of one or more DARPA programs
- At least three years of experience working with DARPA Program Managers
- Published articles in a field of scientific, engineering, or technical expertise
- Demonstrated ability to communicate program and technical requirements into strategy, acquisition, planning, and/or public release documents and correspondence in clear, concise, and compelling terms
- Experience creating and coordinating strategy and program overview documents, and developing briefings to technical and non-technical audience
SPA is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action. It is, and will continue to be, the policy of the company to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. We recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, SPA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.