Senior Science Advisor - Circuits

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Retirement plans

Life and disability insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) seeks a Senior Science Advisor to provide onsite support in Arlington, VA. The role focuses on optics, photonics, physics, AI/ML, and related disciplines, advising senior government personnel on strategic outcomes and program direction.

The successful candidate will bring a PhD, 18+ years of DoD-related experience, and a proven track record of publishing; strong communication skills and the ability to work onsite are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in a technical field related to optics, photonics, physics, AI/ML, or similar disciplines.
• 18+ years of experience supporting the DoD in relevant fields.
• Active Secret clearance required.
• Strong oral and written communication to brief senior government personnel.
• Able to present complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior scientific advisory services for existing and new programs in optics, photonics, physics, AI/ML, and related disciplines.
• Translate complex scientific concepts into strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
• Independently conduct analysis to offer strategic solutions for R&D issues.
• Advise DoD and government personnel at the highest levels.

Skills

PhD in field

Security clearance

DoD experience

Published articles

Communication skills

Onsite work

Education

PhD in technical field

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear‑sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have a near‑term need for a Senior Science Advisor to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

SPA is searching for senior technical personnel to provide support for the successful execution of existing and new programs and related technologies in the following areas: optics, photonics, physics, materials, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), mathematics engineering, quantum, chemistry, biology, and/or other scientific disciplines and related efforts. These disciplines are applied to the following technical thrust areas: Photonic Circuits (PCs), Quantum Circuits (QCs), Organic Circuits (OCs), and Unconventional Computing. Specifically, SPA is interested in a candidate with uniquely qualifying research, credentials, or education and is universally recognized as the expert/authority in a highly specified scientific area. Mature judgement required to advise senior government personnel on complex scientific and technical matters with strategic implications. Apply demonstrated experience in executive‑level scientific advisory roles with ability to translate complex scientific concepts into strategic recommendations for senior leadership. Independently conduct the most sophisticated analysis to offer strategic recommendations, solutions, and alternatives to resolve complex R&D issues, concerns, problems, or methods in areas related to Agency Technical Offices. Apply experience providing scientific counsel at the highest levels of government and research organizations.

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD in one of the above or similar technical fields
• 18+ years of experience with supporting the DoW in optics, photonics, physics, materials, AI/ML, mathematics engineering, quantum, chemistry, biology, and/or other scientific disciplines and related efforts
• Active Secret clearance
• Extensive published articles in Field of Expertise with demonstrated international recognition and thought leadership within the scientific community
• Strong oral and written communication skills required to advise senior government personnel and present complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs

Desired:

• Apply experience with basic and applied research and prior experience as a government technical Program Manager or senior SETA contractor is highly desirable.

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $180K-$235K