Senior Science Advisor for Strategic R&D Leadership

ecsfederal; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Everforth ECS is seeking a Senior Science Advisor to provide independent counsel to DARPA MXO leadership and program managers on complex scientific questions, challenging assumptions and shaping research directions for potential new capabilities. You will join an integrated team working from concept to transition, with travel as needed.

The role requires a PhD, 18+ years of experience, and U.S. citizenship for security-clearance eligibility; you will mentor others, assess progress, and

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering field.
• 18 or more years of relevant experience.
• U.S. citizenship required for security-clearance eligibility.
• Uniquely qualifying research, credentials, or education and broad recognition as an authority in a highly specialized scientific or technical area.
• Mature judgment and experience advising senior Government or research leaders on scientific matters with strategic implications.
• Executive-level scientific advisory experience and the ability to translate complex concepts into clear strategic recommendations.
• Ability to independently conduct sophisticated analysis and recommend solutions and alternatives for the most complex R&D issues.
• Experience providing scientific counsel at senior levels of Government, industry, academia, or research organizations.
• A substantial publication and thought‑leadership record with national or international recognition.

Responsibilities

• Advise senior Government leaders on the scientific credibility, strategic relevance, and program implications of emerging research and unconventional technical approaches.
• Conduct or lead the most sophisticated independent analyses of program concepts, performer progress, technical failures, alternatives, and transition opportunities.
• Help frame office strategy and new program concepts across disciplines, scales, and operational domains.
• Communicate complex scientific issues clearly in executive reviews, technical forums, and written recommendations.
• Provide scientific mentorship and raise the quality and consistency of technical analysis across the support team.
• 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

18+ years of experience

U.S. citizenship for security clear.

Executive-level advisory experience

Independent analytical thinking

Strategic advisory communication

Publication and thought-leadership

Education

PhD in relevant scientific or engineering field

Job description

Everforth ECS is seeking a Senior Science Advisor to provide independent counsel to DARPA MXO leadership and program managers on complex scientific questions, challenging assumptions and shaping research directions for potential new capabilities. You will join an integrated team working from concept to transition, with travel as needed.

The role requires a PhD, 18+ years of experience, and U.S. citizenship for security-clearance eligibility; you will mentor others, assess progress, and