Senior R&D Program Lead - AI, Hardware & MXO

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

Job summary

Everforth ECS in Arlington, VA seeks 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 performers against objectives, and translate emerging capabilities into credible program and transition strategies, joining a multidisciplinary team through concept development to closeout.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required and at least 12 years of relevant experience in R&D leadership.
• 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.
• Experience managing large defense R&D efforts, technical teams, and senior stakeholder relationships.
• Depth in engineering and AI/ML including algorithms, hardware, data, and mission performance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 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/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 reviews, site visits, laboratory results, tests, demonstrations, and other program events; recommend risk-reduction actions.
• Coordinate with performers, Government partners, test organizations, transition stakeholders, and other technical experts to move efforts toward objectives.
• Develop technical and programmatic products for leadership and external stakeholders, including review materials and trip reports.
• Support the development of new program concepts by researching emerging science and technology and contributing to trade studies.
• Provide independent, objective advice while protecting sensitive information and complying with government requirements.
• Travel may include locations within and outside the continental United States and occasional international travel.

Skills

AI/ML expertise

U.S. citizenship

Education

Master's degree

12+ years of relevant experience

Job description

Everforth ECS in Arlington, VA seeks 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 performers against objectives, and translate emerging capabilities into credible program and transition strategies, joining a multidisciplinary team through concept development to closeout.