Front Office SETA Lead - BTO

ECS; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS in Arlington, VA is seeking a Front Office SETA Lead to provide essential support to leadership within DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office. The ideal candidate will coordinate strategic initiatives, conduct technology assessments, and assist with regulatory oversight. With at least 3 years of experience in technical research or program management, candidates must excel in translating complex concepts for senior leaders. This role involves managing office processes and requires the ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance. A hybrid work schedule is offered.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in technical research, program management, or high-level technical advisory services.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum DoD Secret clearance.
• Exceptional ability to translate complex biological concepts into clear, actionable briefings for non-technical senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Assist leadership in the development and update of the annual BTO Strategic Plan.
• Conduct technology and military needs analyses to evaluate new program concepts.
• Support the development of R-Docs, POM submissions, and BES.
• Assist in execution of Human Subjects and Animal Use activities.
• Identify process inefficiencies and develop SOPs.
• Maintain the office-wide BAA and monitor the acquisition lifecycle.
• Coordinate technical workshops and senior advisory panels.
• Prepare technical briefings and reports for senior leadership.

Skills

Technical research

Program management

Technical advisory services

Clear communication

Adaptability

Job description

Front Office SETA Lead - BTO

Location: Arlington, VA (Hybrid work schedule)

Please note: This position is contingent upon contract award.

Everforth ECS seeks a Science, Engineering, and Technical Advisory (SETA) candidate to provide support to the leadership within DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office (BTO). The successful candidate will serve as a functional lead for all Front Office SETAs under this contract, and provide technical and programmatic assistance to the Office Director, Deputy Director, and Assistant Director for Program Management. The role involves coordinating office‑wide strategic and administrative initiatives to ensure alignment with DARPA BTO’s core mission of developing breakthrough technologies for the Department of War (DOW).

Essential Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Assist leadership in the development and update of the annual BTO Strategic Plan, identifying national security challenges and emerging research opportunities.
• New Program Assessment: Conduct technology and military needs analyses to evaluate the technical merit, feasibility, and military potential of new program concepts.
• Budgetary Coordination: Support the development of Research and Development Descriptive Summaries (R-Docs), Program Objective Memorandum (POM) submissions, and Budget Estimate Submissions (BES).
• Regulatory Oversight: Assist in the execution of Human Subjects Research (HSR) and Animal Use (ASR) activities in accordance with DOW policies and procedures.
• Business Process Management: Identify process inefficiencies and develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to optimize internal office functions and program tracking.
• Acquisition Support: Maintain the office‑wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) and monitor the acquisition lifecycle from solicitation through contract award.
• Technical Outreach: Coordinate technical workshops, senior advisory panels, and site visits to support office‑wide research goals and recruitment of program manager candidates.
• Briefing Development: Prepare technical briefings, point papers, and reports for the DARPA Director’s Office (DIRO), senior DOW leadership, and Congressional staff.

Required Skills

• Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum DoD Secret clearance.
• 3+ years of experience in technical research, program management, or high‑level technical advisory services.
• Exceptional ability to translate complex biological concepts into clear, actionable briefings for non‑technical senior leaders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment and respond to urgent front‑office taskers and data calls within short timelines.

Desired Skills

• Prior experience as a Front Office SETA supporting a DARPA Technical Office.
• In‑depth understanding of the DARPA Program Lifecycle.

ECS Federal LLC is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local jurisdiction law.