Senior Subject Matter Expert in Communications and Physics

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

Job summary

Everforth ECS is seeking a Subject Matter Expert III to join our Arlington, Virginia office and advise DARPA MXO on advanced research that pushes beyond conventional electronic approaches. The role centers on delivering authoritative technical judgment and coordinating complex program activities.

You will lead assessments, advise on program concepts and transition pathways, and build shared understanding among program managers, Government partners, and researchers throughout the R&D lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• 20+ years of relevant experience.
• U.S. citizenship required for security-clearance eligibility.
• Expert credentials or broad recognition in communications, engineering, or physics.
• Mature judgment and extensive experience advising senior Government or research leaders.
• Ability to independently address consequential R&D engineering problems and coordinate multidisciplinary work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced command of the techniques, theories, and practices in the candidate's discipline.

Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative technical judgment on communications, applied physics, RF, photonics, devices, systems.
• Lead independent assessments of complex performer approaches, integration challenges, tests, failure investigations, and recovery strategies.
• Advise on new program concepts, milestones, evaluation criteria, system-level consequences, and transition pathways.
• Build shared understanding among program managers, research performers, Government partners, test organizations, and senior leaders.
• 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

Communications

Engineering

Physics

Advisory experience

Education

Master’s degree

Job description

Everforth ECS is seeking a Subject Matter Expert III to join our Arlington, Virginia office and advise DARPA MXO on advanced research that pushes beyond conventional electronic approaches. The role centers on delivering authoritative technical judgment and coordinating complex program activities.

You will lead assessments, advise on program concepts and transition pathways, and build shared understanding among program managers, Government partners, and researchers throughout the R&D lifecycle.