Sr. Scientist SME - Photonics

Systems Planning & Analysis; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning & Analysis seeks a Sr. Scientist SME-Photonics to provide onsite support in Arlington, VA. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree in a technical field, over 20 years of R&D experience, and active Secret clearance. Responsibilities include supporting various scientific disciplines, contributing to DARPA projects, and applying advanced techniques in photonics and optics. This role is critical for enabling technological superiority and supporting military capabilities.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in R&D engineering.
• Active Secret clearance.
• Ability to make independent decisions on engineering problems.

Responsibilities

• Provide support for executing programs in optics and photonics.
• Contribute to DARPA-related work with expert research.
• Apply advanced techniques in scientific disciplines.

Skills

Optics

Photonics

Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML)

Quantum Computing

Chemistry

Biology

Education

Masters degree in technical field

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have a near-term need for a Sr. Scientist SME-Photonics to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

• Provide support for the successful execution of existing and new programs, and related technologies in the following areas: optics, photonics, physics, materials, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), mathematics, engineering, quantum, chemistry, biology, and/or other scientific disciplines and related efforts.
• Apply these disciplines to technical thrust areas: Photonic Circuits (PCs), Quantum Circuits (QCs), Organic Circuits (OCs), and Unconventional Computing.
• Contribute to DARPA-related work by applying uniquely qualifying research, credentials, or education as an expert in a highly specified area.

Qualifications

Required:

• Masters degree in one of the above technical fields
• 20+ years’ experience
• Active Secret clearance
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions independently on R&D engineering problems and methods, in resolving important questions, and planning and coordinating work
• Demonstrated experience in the use of advanced techniques, theories, precepts, and practices in a scientific or technological discipline
• Mature judgement required to advise senior government personnel; strong oral and written communication skills
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs

Desired:

• Experience with basic and applied research and prior experience as a government technical Program Manager or senior SETA
• Experience managing R&D programs from inception to closeout