Senior AI/Hardware R&D Program Leader

ecsfederal; Virginia (MN); 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. You will help program managers structure complex R&D efforts, evaluate performers against technical intent, and translate capabilities into credible transition strategies.

You will join a combined engineering, science, and program support team that collaborates with DARPA managers from concept to execution, testing, transition, and closeout.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required.
• 12+ years of relevant experience.
• U.S. citizenship required for security-clearance eligibility.
• Senior program-management experience with regulatory compliance.
• Experience managing large defense R&D programs and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to oversee research programs with unconventional approaches.
• Depth in engineering and AI/ML, including algorithms, hardware, data, and mission performance.
• Strong written and verbal communication for technical and executive audiences.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Senior program-management

AI/ML domain knowledge

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Security clearance readiness

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Everforth ECS is seeking a Functional Expert II to provide senior program and technical leadership for DARPA MXO research. You will help program managers structure complex R&D efforts, evaluate performers against technical intent, and translate capabilities into credible transition strategies.

You will join a combined engineering, science, and program support team that collaborates with DARPA managers from concept to execution, testing, transition, and closeout.