Chief Scientist - Optics

Systemstechnologyresearch; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 265,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Systemstechnologyresearch in Arlington, VA, is seeking a Chief Scientist to develop strategies for sensing technologies across various programs. This pivotal role will drive innovation in optical sensing concepts and provide oversight for multi-site teams.

The ideal candidate brings over 15 years of experience, a strong background in engineering fields, and a proven ability to lead and mentor technical teams. This position directly contributes to national security initiatives, requiring an active security clearance.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant experience in relevant field.
• Experience working with defense and intelligence communities on sensor technology.
• Active Security Clearance at the TS level.

Responsibilities

• Lead customer engagements across military and intelligence communities.
• Create innovative solutions for sensing/counter-sensing problems.
• Develop strategies and roadmaps for key capabilities.

Skills

Signal processing

Electro-optical sensing

Infrared sensing

RF sensing and counter-sensing

Biological sensing

Team leadership

Technical marketing

Proposal writing

Education

Background in electrical/computer engineering, computer science, aeronautical/aerospace engineering, mathematics or physics

Job description

About the Team

STR is seeking a Chief Scientist to work across the company to develop a cohesive strategy and provide direction, technical oversight and review across the portfolio of sensing and counter‑sensing programs, particularly in the development of new optical sensing concepts, architectures, active and passive systems and novel processing. In addition, we will look for the qualified applicant to apply expertise and knowledge across STR sensing portfolios including RF, biological and acoustic sensing to develop strategies, conceive of new research programs and provide roadmaps to fielding key capabilities. As part of this role, the person will also lead customer engagements across the military and intelligence communities to develop new program concepts, ideas and proposals.

The Role

The position will have a significant and immediate impact on our national security by leveraging capabilities, expertise and experience from across STR. We believe that each candidate has a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives that could enable us to provide our customers with innovative solutions; the skills listed below are intended to give you a sense for the position. If you see an overlap with your skills, go ahead and apply!

The Chief Scientist will help the company to build out a talented multi‑site team. They will also be responsible for all aspects of the business process, working closely with other leaders and will include technical marketing, business development, proposal writing, recruiting, program execution and staff mentoring.

The Chief Scientist should have experience across the important technologies in the sensor technology space, including signal processing, electro‑optical sensing and systems, infrared sensing and systems, RF sensing and counter‑sensing, acoustics and biological sensing and technologies. The role will also require experience in system integration, field testing, data collection, missions and CONOPs, along with a proven track record of delivering quality results to customers in the defense and intelligence communities.

What you will Do

• Technical marketing to existing and potential customers
• Technical proposal development (idea generation, writing, reviewing)
• Creating innovative solutions to challenging sensing/counter‑sensing problems
• Leading teams to design, develop, implement, test and analyze solutions to national security problems
• Serving as primary technical point of contact for specific customers and offices
• Travel to various STR and customer locations

Who you Are

• Experience working with the defense and intelligence communities on sensor and signal processing related technology
• Entrepreneurial spirit eager to engage in technical marketing and business development
• Proven track record in writing and winning technical proposals
• 15+ years of relevant experience in relevant field
• Background and education in electrical/computer engineering, computer science, aeronautical/aerospace engineering, mathematics or physics
• Experience leading technical teams on advanced R&D programs (e.g., Air Force, Navy, Army, DARPA and IC research projects)
• Experience developing innovative sensing solutions with new sensors and/or algorithms
• Motivated collaborator and effective communicator to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Active Security Clearance at the TS level, for which US citizenship is needed by the US government

Pay Information

Full‑Time Salary Range: $265,000 - $360,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [e-mail] and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.