Senior Scientist Engineer for DARPA MXO Programs

ecsfederal; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Everforth ECS in Arlington, VA is seeking a Scientist Engineer III to serve as a senior technical advisor to DARPA MXO program managers, evaluating complex research programs and translating advanced science into executable decisions.

You will join a cross-disciplinary team from concept through program execution, conducting trade studies, risk analyses, and technical reviews to keep high-risk R&D on track. Travel may be required; U.S. citizenship is expected for security clearance.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• 12+ years of relevant experience in defense-related R&D.
• U.S. citizenship required for security-clearance eligibility.
• Experience planning and developing defense-related R&D projects.
• Ability to conduct rigorous analysis and recommend solutions.
• Advanced command of the techniques, theories, and practices in the discipline.
• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills for technical and executive audiences.
• Travel may include locations within and outside the continental United States.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical assessments, trade studies, sensitivity analyses, and post-test evaluations for high-risk R&D programs.
• Examine performer plans and results across disciplines; identify critical assumptions, integration challenges, and program-level consequences.
• Develop recommendations on technical direction, milestones, risk reduction, testing, scope changes, and transition planning.
• Support new program formation through technology scouting, needs analysis, feasibility assessments, and senior-level technical briefings.
• Advise program managers on planning, execution, cost, schedule, risk, and transition throughout the R&D lifecycle.
• Assess progress through technical reviews, site visits, tests, and demonstrations; identify concerns and propose risk-reduction actions.
• Coordinate with performers, Government partners, test organizations, and stakeholders to move efforts toward objectives.
• Produce technical and programmatic materials for leadership and external stakeholders, including briefs and reports.
• Contribute to new program concepts by researching emerging science and evaluating relevance and feasibility.
• Provide independent, objective advice while protecting sensitive information and complying with security requirements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Independent analysis

Education

Master's degree

12+ years of relevant experience

Job description

Everforth ECS in Arlington, VA is seeking a Scientist Engineer III to serve as a senior technical advisor to DARPA MXO program managers, evaluating complex research programs and translating advanced science into executable decisions.

You will join a cross-disciplinary team from concept through program execution, conducting trade studies, risk analyses, and technical reviews to keep high-risk R&D on track. Travel may be required; U.S. citizenship is expected for security clearance.