Space Technology - SME

AMERICAN SYSTEMS; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits program

Job summary

AMERICAN SYSTEMS, an employee‑owned federal government contractor, seeks a Space Technology SME in Arlington, VA. You will advise DoW senior leaders, develop roadmaps, and coordinate DoD RDT&E collaboration across labs, industry, and international partners.

This role requires 15 years in S&T/RDT&E, a PhD in a relevant field, and a current TS/SCI clearance. Expect high‑level briefings, strategic analyses, and executive‑level products to shape modernization efforts and investment planning.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant hard science or engineering discipline.
• 15 years of experience in S&T, RDT&E or related DoD environments.
• Active TS/SCI clearance; SAP experience is highly preferred.
• U.S. Citizenship required for security clearance eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Support the office leadership as a subject matter expert on space systems and related technology development.
• Provide specialized expertise in operations management / Chief of Staff roles for DOW programs.
• Advise senior DoW leadership on strategic direction, technology modernization priorities, and emerging capability gaps relevant to the Directed Energy 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.

Skills

Space technology

Operations management

Chief of Staff

Strategic direction

Executive briefings

Education

PhD in hard science or engineering

Job description

Space Technology - SME

Location: US-VA-Arlington
Position Type: Full-Time
Clearance Required: Top Secret/SCI

Overview

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee‑owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Program Mission Support, Engineering & Analysis, and Training.

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, Biomanufacturing, and more. Your role will involve close interaction with senior DoW leaders and stakeholders across the RDT&E community. You will have the opportunity to contribute to decision‑making processes impacting 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.

Responsibilities

• Support the office leadership as a subject matter expert on space systems and related technology development.
• Provide specialized expertise in operations management / Chief of Staff roles for DOW programs.
• Advise senior DoW leadership on strategic direction, technology modernization priorities, and emerging capability gaps relevant to the Directed Energy 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 expertise in space technology.
• Demonstrated experience in operations management supporting the DoW RDT&E community and working with senior technical and acquisition stakeholders.
• Must have a current and active TS/SCI clearance; prior SAP experience is highly preferred.
• 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 $220,000.00 - $260,000.00 per year. 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.