Subject Matter Expert I: Materials, Photonics & Hardware

ecsfederal; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Everforth ECS, in Arlington, VA, seeks a Subject Matter Expert I with depth in chemistry, hardware systems, or photonics to support DARPA MXO research. You will help program managers judge whether emerging materials, components, and devices can deliver meaningful performance at the system level and withstand real mission environments.

You will join an integrated scientific, engineering, and program support team that works alongside DARPA program managers from early concept development through

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of relevant experience.
• S. citizenship required for security-clearance eligibility.
• Expert credentials or recognized authority in a relevant technical, managerial, or scientific field.
• Advanced knowledge of techniques, theories, and practices in chemistry, hardware systems, photonics, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate research involving advanced materials, chemistry, photonic devices, hardware components, manufacturing processes, or their integration into larger systems.
• Review performer technical approaches, experimental evidence, test plans, results, and risks; recommend focused actions to resolve key uncertainties.
• Support proposal reviews, program reviews, demonstrations, new program development, and transition planning.
• Connect specialized technical findings to cost, schedule, manufacturability, supply-chain resilience, and mission performance considerations.
• 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

Communication skills

Advisory experience

R&D problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Everforth ECS, in Arlington, VA, seeks a Subject Matter Expert I with depth in chemistry, hardware systems, or photonics to support DARPA MXO research. You will help program managers judge whether emerging materials, components, and devices can deliver meaningful performance at the system level and withstand real mission environments.

You will join an integrated scientific, engineering, and program support team that works alongside DARPA program managers from early concept development through