Senior Subject Matter Expert Defense R&D

AMERICAN SYSTEMS; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is seeking a Subject Matter Expert (Defense R&D) to support Department of War modernization efforts. The role focuses on advanced technology domains such as communications, microelectronics, RF engineering, cryptography, quantum computing, and AI, with a need for strong coordination with government labs and partners.

The position requires leading strategic assessments, roadmaps, and executive briefings, while ensuring rigorous adherence to security and procurement processes in a

Qualifications

• 15+ years in Scientific/Research/Development/Testing/Evaluation sector
• Experience supporting DoW RDT&E community
• Active TS clearance with SCI eligibility

Responsibilities

• Provide SME guidance to DoD leadership on strategic direction and modernization priorities
• Develop roadmaps, assessments, and executive-level briefings for modernization programs
• Coordinate with government laboratories, industry, academia, and partners
• Analyze programs, support technical evaluations, requirements, and transition planning
• Prepare briefings, white papers, and technical products for senior leadership decisions

Skills

15+ years experience

DoD R&D experience

TS clearance with SCI eligibility

U.S. Citizenship

Quantum computing

Artificial intelligence

Education

PhD in hard science or engineering

Job description

Overview

AMERICAN SYSTEMSis an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Engineering & Analysis, Test & Evaluation, and Training.

Responsibilities

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is recruiting for multiple SMEs in R&D fields including communications technologies, microelectronics, RF engineering, and cryptography. Working on the Department of War critical technology areas offers a dynamic, fast-paced environment at the forefront of advancing national defense capabilities in areas such as Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance, Applied AI, Scaled Hypersonics, and more. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the Department’s most critical modernization efforts. This project requires a high level of professionalism and a commitment to shaping the future of national security capabilities.

As a Subject Matter Expert for Defense R&D you will have the opportunity to do the following:

• Support the office leadership as a subject matter expert in your technology domain.
• Advise senior DoW leadership on strategic direction, technology modernization priorities, and emerging capability gaps relevant to the portfolio.
• Develop technology roadmaps, strategic assessments, presentations, and executive-level products to support modernization initiatives and investment planning.
• Coordinate and engage with the RDT&E community including government laboratories, industry, academia, FFRDCs, UARCs, and international partners.
• Analyze and track technical programs across the Department; assist in technical evaluations, requirements development, and transition planning.
• Prepare briefings, reports, white papers, and other business and technical products in support of senior leadership decision-making.

Qualifications

• 15 years of experience in the Scientific, Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation sector for Industry, Academia, or Government relevant to the technical focus of the applicable office.
• PhD in a relevant hard science or engineering discipline (e.g., Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science).
• Demonstrated experience supporting the DoW RDT&E community and working with senior technical and acquisition stakeholders.
• Expertise in one or more of the following technology domains: communications, microelectronics, RF engineering, cryptography, space technology, cyberspace operations, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, directed energy, battlespace awareness, electronic warfare
• Must have a current and active TS clearance with SCI eligibility
• U.S. Citizenship Required for the purposes of obtaining/holding a U.S. security clearance.

Pay Transparency Statement

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $180,000.00/Yr. - USD $240,000/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.

EEO Statement

EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status