Senior Scientist

ecsfederal; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Everforth ECS invites a Senior Scientist to provide independent scientific leadership for DARPA MXO research programs in Arlington, VA. You will advise program managers, evaluate evidence, and shape research strategies linking foundational advances to system-level outcomes.

You will join a cross-functional team supporting program execution from concept through transition, with opportunities to influence multiple domains and secure mission-relevant results.

Qualifications

• Must provide independent scientific leadership for complex multidisciplinary programs.
• Ability to assess performance, progress, test evidence, and risk mitigation.
• Experience advising program managers and shaping research strategies for system-level outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic scientific guidance on complex, multidisciplinary programs and emerging research opportunities.
• Lead independent assessments of performer approaches, technical progress, test evidence, failure modes, and recovery options.
• Help frame new program concepts, milestones, evaluation criteria, and transition paths for breakthrough technologies.
• Represent rigorous scientific judgment in senior-level reviews and mentor other technical team members.
• Advise DARPA program managers on planning, execution, cost, schedule, risk, and transition considerations throughout the R&D lifecycle.
• Coordinate with partners and stakeholders to keep complex efforts moving toward measurable objectives.
• Develop technical and programmatic materials for leadership and external stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Program planning

Education

Master's degree

15+ years of relevant experience

Job description

Everforth ECS is seeking aSenior Scientistto work in ourArlington, Virginiaoffice.

Salary Range: $180,000 - $210,000

Position Overview

Everforth ECS is seeking a Senior Scientist to provide independent scientific leadership for some of DARPA MXO's most demanding research programs. You will advise program managers and office leaders, evaluate the evidence behind ambitious technical claims, and help shape research strategies that connect foundational advances to system-level and operational outcomes.

You will join an integrated scientific, engineering, and program support team that works alongside DARPA program managers from early concept development through program execution, testing, transition, and closeout.

About DARPA MXO

DARPA's Multi X Office applies the physical sciences across scales and disciplines to create mission-relevant capabilities. Its work extends from materials at the atomic, molecular, and cellular scales to components, tools, processes, systems, and architectures that can reshape future military operations and strengthen the U.S. technology base.

• Materials and components beyond traditional CMOS foundations, with an emphasis on resilient, secure, and attack-resistant systems
• New tools, processes, manufacturing approaches, and domestic supply chains for critical technologies
• New modalities for sensing, orienting, computing, communicating, and producing mission effects
• Technical domains that include effects, energy, quantum science, organics and materials, new compute, robotics, and photonics

Depending on program assignment, your work may involve these areas or other emerging MXO priorities. Learn more about DARPA MXO

What You Will Do

• Provide strategic scientific guidance on complex, multidisciplinary programs and emerging research opportunities.
• Lead independent assessments of performer approaches, technical progress, test evidence, failure modes, and recovery options.
• Help frame new program concepts, technical milestones, evaluation criteria, and transition paths for breakthrough technologies.
• Represent rigorous scientific judgment in senior-level reviews and mentor other technical team members.
• 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.

• Master's degree
• 15 or more years of relevant experience
• U.S. citizenship required for security-clearance eligibility
• Senior-level experience planning and developing R&D projects involving consequential and technically controversial problems for defense organizations.
• Demonstrated skill conceiving, planning, and conducting research of considerable scope and complexity using novel approaches and sophisticated techniques.
• Ability to independently analyze complex R&D issues and recommend credible solutions, alternatives, and risk-reduction actions.
• Experience in senior leadership roles within technical organizations and in advising advanced research initiatives.
• Recognition as an expert in a relevant scientific or technical field.
• Strong record of publication, technical contribution, and thought leadership.