Senior Program Analyst — Strategic Tech & Prototyping Lead

Ara; Arlington, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 199,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. seeks a Senior Program Analyst to provide advanced technical, engineering, and program support to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies (OASW(CT)).

This hybrid role is based in the National Capital Region with on‑site support at the Pentagon, the Suffolk Building, and the Mark Center. The analyst will conduct technical reviews, support strategic planning, develop engineering guidance, and coordinate cross‑organisational

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical discipline.
• 12-15 years of experience preparing technical briefings, documentation, and analytical products for senior government audiences.
• Active SECRET clearance (minimum) with ability to obtain and maintain TOP SECRET/SCI eligibility as required for the role.
• Advanced expertise in systems engineering, applied research, or prototyping, with demonstrated ability to assess complex technical programs and architectures.
• Proven ability to coordinate across multi‑organization technical teams, integrating intelligence, research, and engineering inputs into program recommendations.
• Familiarity with Maritime Big Play, containerized or modular system development, or critical technology strategy.

Responsibilities

• Conduct engineering assessments, technical reviews, and analysis of R&D and prototyping activities supporting OASW(CT).
• Develop technical materials including high‑level architectures, program guidance, policy inputs, and engineering documentation that shape emerging technology development and transition pathways.
• Prepare senior‑level briefings, reports, and analytical products for DoW leadership, Congress, industry, academia, and interagency partners to inform decision‑making on critical technologies.
• Coordinate with OUSW(R&E), Intelligence Community organizations, and other government entities to collect, analyze, and integrate technical and portfolio data relevant to national‑level technology priorities.
• Support executive operations and technical workflow management within OASW(CT), improving processes, cross‑team communication, and mission execution efficiency.
• Provide specialized systems or software engineering expertise to inform strategic planning, technical direction, and program execution across multiple prototyping and technology development efforts.

Skills

Technical briefing

Systems engineering

Cross-organization coordination

Prototyping expertise

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical discipline

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. seeks a Senior Program Analyst to provide advanced technical, engineering, and program support to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies (OASW(CT)).

This hybrid role is based in the National Capital Region with on‑site support at the Pentagon, the Suffolk Building, and the Mark Center. The analyst will conduct technical reviews, support strategic planning, develop engineering guidance, and coordinate cross‑organisational