PIR Research & Development Senior Advisor

Apogee Engineering, LLC; Ohio; On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Apogee Engineering, LLC seeks a PIR Research & Development Senior Advisor to provide senior-level expertise in national defense R&D planning, advocacy, and assessment. You will lead technical planning and drive PIR sensor data processing and delivery initiatives in support of NASIC at Wright Patterson AFB, OH.

The role requires extensive DoD/IC program experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to translate complex research into actionable plans and funding proposals.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science, or closely related discipline.
• At least 20 years of relevant work experience; or 16 years with a bachelor’s; or 12 years with a master’s.
• Minimum of 10 years supporting DoD or similar programs/projects.
• Deep knowledge of PIR mission, IR phenomenology, sensor design and characterization, and PIR data/signal processing.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale R&D programs and transitioning prototypes into operational environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to translate complex technical concepts into compelling advocacy products.
• Ability to decompose complex technical requirements into actionable tasks and roadmaps.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage R&D programs for acquisition of sensors, data collection, processing, analysis, and delivery capabilities.
• Define deep technical requirements and system design specifications for PIR R&D initiatives.
• Establish test and evaluation strategies for prototype systems and capabilities.
• Create program milestones, cost estimates, schedules, and contract strategies.
• Lead identification, evaluation, and prioritization of PIR-related R&D initiatives across DoD and IC stakeholders.
• Manage end-to-end R&D program lifecycles from concept through operational transition.
• Coordinate integration of multiple technical workstreams and interdependencies.
• Develop and present R&D program proposals to gain advocacy or funding from sponsors.

Skills

PIR R&D expertise

IR phenomenology

Sensor design

Program management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Doctorate in Physics / Electrical Engineering / Optical Engineering / Computer Science

Job description

Overview

Apogee is seeking a PIR Research & Development Senior Advisor. This position provides senior-level subject matter expertise in support of Research & Development Planning, Advocating, and Assessment. The role leads technical planning, prioritization, and assessment of research and development initiatives related to persistent infrared (PIR) sensors, data collection, processing, analysis, and delivery capabilities. The advisor serves as a principal technical authority to government leadership for PIR R&D strategies and investments. Support the mission of the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, OH. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to national defense intelligence operations while advancing your expertise.

****Contingent Upon Contract Award****

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage R&D programs for the acquisition of new sensors, data collection, data processing, data analysis, and data delivery capabilities
• Define deep technical requirements and system design specifications for PIR R&D initiatives
• Establish comprehensive test and evaluation strategies for prototype systems and capabilities
• Create detailed program milestones, cost estimates, schedules, and contract strategies
• Lead the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of PIR-related R&D initiatives across DoD and IC stakeholders
• Manage end-to-end R&D program lifecycles from concept through operational transition
• Coordinate integration of multiple technical workstreams and interdependencies
• Develop and present R&D program proposals to gain advocacy or funding from sponsor or stakeholder organizations
• Prepare compelling technical briefings and advocacy materials for senior government leadership
• Secure sponsorship and funding for PIR R&D programs through effective stakeholder engagement
• Build and maintain relationships with funding authorities and program sponsors
• Articulate mission impact and return on investment for proposed R&D initiatives
• Represent PIR R&D programs at technical meetings and conferences
• Produce presentations and brief technical aspects of analysis and operational impacts
• Advise and assess proof of concepts to support the transition of prototypes being used in target operating environments
• Assist in the evaluation of technical merits of various R&D efforts
• Provide independent design and technical feedback on R&D tools and algorithms being developed
• Assess algorithms used in PIR exploitation and analysis processes
• Conduct rigorous technical reviews of vendor solutions and contractor deliverables
• Validate technical approaches against mission requirements and operational constraints
• Evaluate system performance, maturity levels, and readiness for operational deployment
• Provide objective assessments to inform government decision-making
• Evaluate and recommend new areas for R&D initiatives
• Identify approaches for advanced computational algorithm development
• Recommend advanced signal processing techniques for PIR data
• Research emerging technologies applicable to PIR mission requirements
• Recommend advanced modeling techniques and methodologies
• Identify innovative approaches to enhance PIR analytical capabilities
• Stay current with cutting-edge developments in sensor technologies and data processing
• Propose novel solutions to complex technical challenges in PIR exploitation
• Provide senior subject matter expertise and recommendations regarding current and future sensor program advocacy across all IC and DoW PIR sensors
• Provide senior subject matter expertise regarding PIR signal processing and IR phenomenology understanding
• Advise on general physics, optics, and remote sensor design/characterization
• Advise on sensor design concepts to inform R&D investments
• Provide recommendations on IR phenomenology applications
• Guide sensor characterization processes and methodologies
• Recommend sensor performance optimization strategies
• Evaluate sensor trade-offs and design alternatives
• Provide senior subject matter expertise and recommendations regarding PIR environmental intelligence products and static scene analysis
• Provide meteorology expertise and recommendations (meteorology experience desired)
• Provide senior subject matter expertise regarding Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) data processing and extraction
• Advise on Sensor Open Framework Architecture (SOFA) operation
• Provide senior subject matter expertise and recommendations regarding Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML)
• Support analytic modernization and capability development efforts
• Guide implementation of AI/ML solutions for PIR analysis
• Collaborate with government, industry, and academic partners to align R&D roadmaps with operational mission needs
• Provide daily interaction with GSPR flight leaders to accomplish mission objectives
• Coordinate across DoD and IC organizations to ensure R&D alignment
• Facilitate collaboration between technical development teams and operational users
• Build consensus among diverse stakeholder groups with competing priorities

Qualifications

MinimumExperience:

Citizenship:Must be a US citizenClearance:Eligible for TS/SCI; able to obtain and maintain required clearances.

Education:Doctorate in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline.

Years of Experience:

• At least 20 years of relevant work experience; or 16 years of experience plus a Bachelor’s degree; or 12 years of experience plus a Master’s degree.
• Minimum of 10 years supporting DoD or similar programs/projects.
• Deep knowledge of PIR mission, IR phenomenology, sensor design and characterization, and PIR data/signal processing.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale R&D programs and transitioning prototypes into operational environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to translate complex technical concepts into compelling advocacy products.
• Ability to decompose complex technical requirements into actionable tasks and roadmaps.

Additional InformationLocation:Wright Patterson AFB Dayton, OHOn-site/Hybrid/Remote:On-siteTravel:Occasional