Functional Expert I

ECS; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Everforth ECS is seeking a Functional Expert I to help a DARPA program manager turn ambitious radio-frequency and engineering concepts into well-run research programs. You will combine program leadership with technical judgment, helping the Government evaluate progress, manage risk, coordinate testing, and prepare technologies for transition.

You will join an integrated scientific, engineering, and program support team that works alongside DARPA program managers from early concept development

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• U.S. citizenship required for security-clearance eligibility.
• Experience planning, directing, and coordinating personnel supporting complex defense R&D efforts.
• Experience exercising responsibility for regulatory compliance and review of task-order expenses.
• Program-management experience on work of comparable size, scope, and complexity.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve program issues without compromising fiscal integrity or workforce efficiency.
• Technical depth in radio frequency systems and engineering.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and executive audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day program coordination across technical, programmatic, financial, contracting, security, and transition activities.
• Apply RF and engineering experience to challenge assumptions, evaluate technical evidence, and connect component-level advances to operational needs.
• Plan and coordinate the work of multidisciplinary support personnel while maintaining fiscal discipline, regulatory compliance, and continuity of execution.
• Help prepare program reviews, test-readiness activities, executive briefings, and responses to time-sensitive Government inquiries.
• Advise DARPA program managers on program planning, technical execution, cost, schedule, risk, and transition considerations throughout the R&D lifecycle.
• Assess performer progress through technical reviews, site visits, laboratory results, tests, demonstrations, and other program events; identify concerns early and recommend practical risk-reduction actions.
• Coordinate with performers, Government partners, test organizations, transition stakeholders, and other technical experts to keep complex efforts moving toward measurable program objectives.
• Develop clear technical and programmatic products for DARPA leadership and external stakeholders, including review briefings, decision materials, trip reports, technical assessments, and program documentation.
• Support the development of new program concepts by researching emerging science and technology, evaluating military relevance and feasibility, and contributing to trade studies, sensitivity analyses, and new-start materials.
• Provide independent, objective advice while protecting sensitive information and complying with all security, organizational conflict-of-interest, and Government requirements.
• Travel may include locations within and outside the continental United States and occasional international travel in support of program reviews, tests, demonstrations, or partner engagement.

Skills

Program management

RF engineering

Regulatory compliance

Cost/schedule/risk planning

Technical leadership

Stakeholder communication

DARPA program experience

Security-clearance eligibility

Leadership and mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Description

Everforth ECS is seeking a Functional Expert I to work in our Arlington, Virginia office.

Please Note

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Salary Range

Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000

Position Overview

Everforth ECS is seeking a Functional Expert I to help a DARPA program manager turn ambitious radio-frequency and engineering concepts into well-run research programs. You will combine program leadership with technical judgment, helping the Government evaluate progress, manage risk, coordinate testing, and prepare technologies for transition.

You will join an integrated scientific, engineering, and program support team that works alongside DARPA program managers from early concept development through program execution, testing, transition, and closeout.

About DARPA MXO

• Materials and components beyond traditional CMOS foundations, with an emphasis on resilient, secure, and attack-resistant systems
• New tools, processes, manufacturing approaches, and domestic supply chains for critical technologies
• New modalities for sensing, orienting, computing, communicating, and producing mission effects
• Technical domains that include effects, energy, quantum science, organics and materials, new compute, robotics, and photonics

Depending on program assignment, your work may involve these areas or other emerging MXO priorities. Learn more about DARPA MXO

What You Will Do

• Lead day-to-day program coordination across technical, programmatic, financial, contracting, security, and transition activities.
• Apply RF and engineering experience to challenge assumptions, evaluate technical evidence, and connect component-level advances to operational needs.
• Plan and coordinate the work of multidisciplinary support personnel while maintaining fiscal discipline, regulatory compliance, and continuity of execution.
• Help prepare program reviews, test-readiness activities, executive briefings, and responses to time-sensitive Government inquiries.
• Advise DARPA program managers on program planning, technical execution, cost, schedule, risk, and transition considerations throughout the R&D lifecycle.
• Assess performer progress through technical reviews, site visits, laboratory results, tests, demonstrations, and other program events; identify concerns early and recommend practical risk-reduction actions.
• Coordinate with performers, Government partners, test organizations, transition stakeholders, and other technical experts to keep complex efforts moving toward measurable program objectives.
• Develop clear technical and programmatic products for DARPA leadership and external stakeholders, including review briefings, decision materials, trip reports, technical assessments, and program documentation.
• Support the development of new program concepts by researching emerging science and technology, evaluating military relevance and feasibility, and contributing to trade studies, sensitivity analyses, and new-start materials.
• Provide independent, objective advice while protecting sensitive information and complying with all security, organizational conflict-of-interest, and Government requirements.
• Travel may include locations within and outside the continental United States and occasional international travel in support of program reviews, tests, demonstrations, or partner engagement.

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree
• 10 or more years of relevant experience
• U.S. citizenship required for security-clearance eligibility
• Experience planning, directing, and coordinating personnel supporting complex defense R&D efforts.
• Experience exercising responsibility for regulatory compliance and review of task-order expenses.
• Program-management experience on work of comparable size, scope, and complexity.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve program issues without compromising fiscal integrity or workforce efficiency.
• Technical depth in radio frequency systems and engineering.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and executive audiences.

Desired Skills

• Experience supporting DARPA, another advanced R&D organization, or a defense technical office.
• Experience coordinating research performers, test organizations, and potential transition partners.
• Familiarity with RF devices, communications, sensing, electronic effects, or hardware integration.

ECS Federal LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis 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.

Everforth ECS

Everforth ECS is the federal segment of Everforth, a $4B global organization with over 10,000 employees. Our nearly 3,500 professionals deliver advanced technology solutions in data and AI, cybersecurity, and enterprise transformation, serving defense, intelligence, and federal civilian agencies.

Our work powers mission-critical outcomes, strengthens technology partnerships, and creates meaningful opportunities for our people. We are defined by a commitment to excellence in delivery, a culture of innovation, and an environment where talent can thrive and grow.

We Value

• Attracting and developing top talent and high-performing teams
• Fostering a culture that is engaging, accountable, and mission-driven

Meet the challenge. Make a difference with Everforth ECS!