Subject Matter Expert II

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

Job summary

Everforth ECS seeks a Subject Matter Expert II to advise DARPA MXO managers in AI, ML, or RF technologies. You will provide authoritative analysis, assess risks, and support end-to-end R&D lifecycle from concept to transition.

Ideal candidates bring a Master’s degree, 15+ years of relevant experience, and senior-level communication skills to coordinate with program leaders and external stakeholders. Office in Arlington, VA with a salary range of $180k–$210k.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required.
• 15+ years of relevant experience.
• U.S. citizenship required for security-clearance eligibility.
• Expert credentials or recognition as an authority in AI and machine learning, RF, or related field.
• Mature judgment with ability to advise senior Government personnel on complex scientific and engineering matters.
• Ability to independently address R&D engineering problems and coordinate technical work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative analysis of AI and ML or RF research, including technical assumptions, system architecture, performance evidence, integration risk, and mission utility.
• Assess performer progress and test results, identify key uncertainties, and recommend risk-reduction paths.
• Support the full R&D lifecycle from proposal evaluation through execution, demonstration, transition, and closeout.
• Communicate complex findings to program managers, office leaders, performers, and transition partners.
• Advise DARPA program managers on planning, execution, cost, schedule, risk, and transition considerations.
• Assess progress through reviews, site visits, lab results, tests, and demonstrations; identify concerns early and recommend risk-reduction actions.
• Coordinate with performers, Government partners, test organizations, and stakeholders to keep programs moving toward objectives.
• Develop technical and programmatic products for DARPA leadership and external stakeholders.
• Travel may include locations within and outside the continental United States.

Skills

Expert credentials AI/ML or RF

Strong written and verbal comms

Independent problem solving

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Everforth ECS is seeking aSubject Matter Expert IIto work in ourArlington, Virginiaoffice.

Salary Range: $180,000 - $210,000

Position Overview

Everforth ECS is seeking a Subject Matter Expert II in AI and machine learning or radio frequency technologies to advise DARPA MXO program managers. You will apply deep technical experience to research that may combine advanced hardware, hardware-informed algorithms, unconventional computing, sensing, communications, and new approaches to mission effects.

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

About DARPA MXO

DARPA's Multi X Office applies the physical sciences across scales and disciplines to create mission-relevant capabilities. Its work extends from materials at the atomic, molecular, and cellular scales to components, tools, processes, systems, and architectures that can reshape future military operations and strengthen the U.S. technology base.

• Materials and components beyond traditional CMOS foundations, with an emphasis on resilient, secure, and attack-resistant systems
• New tools, processes, manufacturing approaches, and domestic supply chains for critical technologies
• New modalities for sensing, orienting, computing, communicating, and producing mission effects
• Technical domains that include effects, energy, quantum science, organics and materials, new compute, robotics, and photonics

Depending on program assignment, your work may involve these areas or other emerging MXO priorities. Learn more about DARPA MXO

What You Will Do

• Provide authoritative analysis of AI and ML or RF research, including technical assumptions, system architecture, performance evidence, integration risk, and mission utility.
• Assess performer progress and test results, identify the most consequential uncertainties, and recommend technically sound risk-reduction paths.
• Support the full R&D lifecycle from new program formulation and proposal evaluation through execution, demonstration, transition, and closeout.
• Communicate complex findings to program managers, office leaders, performers, and potential transition partners.
• 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.

• Master's degree
• 15 or more years of relevant experience
• US. citizenship required for security-clearance eligibility
• Expert credentials or recognition as an authority in AI and machine learning, radio frequency technologies, or a closely related field.
• Mature judgment and the ability to advise senior Government personnel on complex scientific and engineering matters.
• Ability to independently address R&D engineering problems, resolve important questions, and plan and coordinate technical work.
• Advanced command of the techniques, theories, and practices required in the candidate's discipline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.