Senior Science Advisor - Circuits

Systems Planning & Analysis; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning & Analysis is seeking a Senior Science Advisor in Arlington, VA, to provide scientific and technical support across various disciplines such as optics, AI/ML, and materials. This role requires a PhD and at least 18 years of relevant experience, along with an active Secret clearance. Responsibilities include advising government personnel, conducting sophisticated analysis, and providing strategic recommendations for complex programs. The position demands high-level communication skills and the ability to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Qualifications

• PhD in optics, photonics, physics, materials, AI/ML, mathematics, quantum, chemistry, or biology.
• 18+ years of experience in R&D involved in complex scientific disciplines.
• Active Secret security clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Support execution of programs and technologies in scientific fields.
• Advise government personnel on strategic scientific matters.
• Conduct analysis to provide strategic recommendations.
• Provide scientific counsel at high government levels.

Skills

Advanced scientific analysis

Strong communication skills

Leadership advisory

Education

PhD in a 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.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets.

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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Advises senior government personnel on complex scientific and technical matters with strategic implications; translate complex scientific concepts into strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
• Conduct 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.
• Provide scientific counsel at the highest levels of government and research organizations.

Qualifications

• PhD in one of the above or similar technical fields.
• 18+ years of experience 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

• Experience with basic and applied research and prior experience as a government technical Program Manager or senior SETA contractor.