Scientist Engineer III

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

Job summary

Everforth ECS in Arlington, VA seeks a Scientist Engineer III to serve as a senior technical advisor to DARPA MXO program managers. You will evaluate complex research programs, test credibility of approaches as evidence develops, and translate advanced science into executable program decisions and mission outcomes.

You will join an integrated team that works from concept through execution, testing, transition, and closeout, collaborating with government and contractor partners to deliver

Qualifications

• Master's degree required.
• 12+ years of relevant experience in defense-related R&D.
• U.S. citizenship required for security-clearance eligibility.
• Experience conceiving, planning, and conducting research of considerable scope and complexity.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical assessments, trade studies, sensitivity analyses, and post-test evaluations for high-risk R&D programs.
• Examine performer plans and results; identify critical assumptions, integration challenges, and program-level consequences.
• Develop recommendations on technical direction, milestones, risk reduction, testing, and transition planning.
• Support new program formation through technology scouting, needs analysis, feasibility assessments, and senior-level technical briefings.
• Advise program managers on planning, execution, cost, schedule, risk, and transition considerations throughout the R&D lifecycle.
• Assess progress through technical reviews, site visits, laboratory results, tests, and demonstrations; identify concerns and recommend risk-reduction actions.
• Coordinate with performers, Government partners, test organizations, transition stakeholders, and other technical experts to advance objectives.
• Produce technical and programmatic products for leadership and external stakeholders (briefings, materials, trip reports, assessments, documentation).
• Support development of new program concepts by researching emerging science and technology and contributing to trade studies and analyses.
• Provide independent, objective advice while protecting sensitive information and complying with security requirements.
• Travel may include US and international destinations for program reviews and engagements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

R&D program planning

Citizenship requirement

Security clearance readiness

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Job Description

Everforth ECS is seeking a Scientist Engineer III to work in our Arlington, Virginia office. This position is contingent upon contract award. Salary Range: $150,000 - $180,000. Position Overview Everforth ECS is seeking a Scientist Engineer III to serve as a senior technical advisor to DARPA MXO program managers. You will evaluate complex research programs, test whether technical approaches remain credible as evidence develops, and help translate advanced science and engineering into executable program decisions and mission-relevant outcomes. 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

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 technical assessments, trade studies, sensitivity analyses, and post-test evaluations for high-risk R&D programs.
• Examine performer plans and results across disciplines; identify critical assumptions, integration challenges, and program-level consequences.
• Develop recommendations on technical direction, milestones, risk reduction, testing, scope changes, and transition planning.
• Support new program formation through technology scouting, needs analysis, feasibility assessments, and senior-level technical briefings.
• 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

• Master's degree
• 12 or more years of relevant experience
• U.S. citizenship required for security-clearance eligibility
• Progressively responsible experience planning and developing defense-related R&D projects involving unique, consequential, or controversial technical problems.
• Demonstrated skill conceiving, planning, and conducting research of considerable scope and complexity using novel approaches and sophisticated techniques.
• Ability to independently conduct rigorous analysis and recommend solutions and alternatives for complex R&D issues.
• Advanced command of the techniques, theories, and practices in the discipline for which the candidate provides expertise.
• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills for technical and executive audiences.

Desired Skills

• Five or more years working with DARPA program managers.
• Published articles, patents, prototypes, or other recognized technical contributions.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary reviews, independent assessments, testing, or technology-transition activities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

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!