Functional Expert II

Everforth ECS; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Everforth ECS is seeking a Functional Expert II to provide senior program and technical leadership for DARPA MXO research at the intersection of engineering, AI and machine learning, and advanced hardware.

You will help program managers structure complex R&D efforts, evaluate whether performers are meeting technical intent, and translate emerging capabilities into credible program and transition strategies.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of relevant experience.
• US citizenship required for security-clearance eligibility.
• Senior program-management experience with regulatory-compliance responsibility in complex R&D environments.
• Demonstrated success planning, directing, and coordinating multidisciplinary task-order personnel while maintaining fiscal integrity and operational efficiency.
• Experience managing large defense R&D efforts, technical teams, and senior stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to conceive and oversee research programs that require unconventional approaches and independent technical judgment.
• Depth in engineering and AI/ML, including relationship between algorithms, hardware, data, and mission performance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and executive audiences.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior program and technical leadership for DARPA MXO research.
• Help program managers structure complex R&D efforts and evaluate technical intent.
• Translate emerging capabilities into credible program and transition strategies.
• Join an integrated team supporting DARPA program managers from concept to closeout.
• Advise on program planning, technical execution, cost, schedule, risk, and transition considerations.

Skills

12+ years experience

US citizenship

Senior program mgmt

Multidisciplinary coordination

Technical leadership

AI/ML understanding

Written and verbal comms

Job description

Everforth ECS is seeking a Functional Expert IIto work in ourArlington, Virginiaoffice.

Please Note:This position is contingent upon contract award.

Salary Range: $150,000 - $180,000

Position Overview

Everforth ECS is seeking a Functional Expert II to provide senior program and technical leadership for DARPA MXO research at the intersection of engineering, AI and machine learning, and advanced hardware. You will help program managers structure complex R&D efforts, evaluate whether performers are meeting technical intent, and translate emerging capabilities into credible program and transition strategies.

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

DARPA's Multi X Office applies the physical sciences across scales and disciplines to create mission-relevant capabilities. Its work extends from materials at the atomic, molecular, and cellular scales to components, tools, processes, systems, and architectures that can reshape future military operations and strengthen the U.S. technology base.

• 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
• Oversee integrated support across multiple technical teams and stakeholder organizations in a fast-moving R&D environment.
• Evaluate hardware-informed AI and ML concepts, new computing approaches, and enabling engineering against program objectives and mission needs.
• Guide program planning, risk analysis, technical reviews, test strategy, financial execution, and transition coordination.
• Provide independent recommendations on complex engineering issues that cross traditional technical disciplines.
• 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

• 12 or more years of relevant experience
• U.S. citizenship required for security-clearance eligibility
• Senior program-management experience with regulatory-compliance responsibility in complex R&D environments.
• Demonstrated success planning, directing, and coordinating multidisciplinary task-order personnel while maintaining fiscal integrity and operational efficiency.
• Experience managing large defense R&D efforts, technical teams, and senior stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to conceive and oversee research programs that require unconventional approaches and independent technical judgment.
• Depth in engineering and AI or machine learning, including the relationship between algorithms, hardware, data, and mission performance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and executive audiences.

Desired Skills

• Seven or more years of DARPA program experience.
• Five or more years working directly with DARPA program managers.
• Experience with unconventional computing, photonic or RF systems, AI-enabled hardware, or technology transition.

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 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!

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Our Culture

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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 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.

Meet the challenge. Make a difference with Everforth ECS!

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