Subject Matter Expert III

ECS; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Everforth ECS Federal seeks a Subject Matter Expert III to join our Arlington, VA office. The candidate will support a DARPA program manager, lead risk analysis, coordinate test activities, and liaise with DoD stakeholders to drive transition and success of major national security programs.

The role requires a Master’s Degree, a DoD Secret clearance (or ability to obtain), and 20+ years of technical, managerial, or scientific leadership experience.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree required.
• Active DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain one.
• 20+ years of experience in technical, managerial or scientific fields.
• Experience advising senior government personnel.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to make independent decisions on R&D engineering problems.

Responsibilities

• Support a DARPA program manager across project management, risk analysis, and programmatic tasks.
• Coordinate meetings and assess performer technical progress and outcomes.
• Ensure IV&V and DARPA entities follow project management best practices.
• Develop point papers, slide decks, and materials communicating program status and needs.
• Research problem sets to aid National Security priorities.

Skills

Active clearance

20+ years experience

Strong communication

Independent decision making

R&D engineering expertise

Education

Master's Degree

Job description

Job Description

Everforth ECS Federal is seeking a Subject Matter Expert III to work in our Arlington, Virginia office. This position is contingent upon contract award.

The successful candidate will support a DARPA program manager by participating in or leading all activities in project management, technical and programmatic risk analysis, program‑funded test coordination, and coordination with members of the Department of Defense for transition. The candidate will also be responsible for coordinating meetings, assessing performer technical progress, projecting performer outcomes, and ensuring that project management best practices are followed by performers, independent verification and validation (IV&V) entities funded by DARPA, and within DARPA itself. Duties range from developing point papers, slide decks, and other materials that convey the need, status, and importance of a program to researching unique problem set ideas to aid in National Security priorities.

Required Skills

• Master's Degree
• Active DOD Secret clearance or the ability to obtain one
• 20+ years of experience
• Experience in technical, managerial or scientific fields with expert credentials or recognized authority and mature judgment required to advise senior government personnel
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions on R&D engineering problems and plan and coordinate work
• Experience using advanced techniques, theories, and practices in a scientific or technological discipline. Area of concentration: Communications, Engineering, Physics

Desired Skills

• Experience with basic and applied research and prior experience as a DARPA Program Manager or senior SETA contractor
• Experience managing R&D programs from inception to closeout
• At least fifteen (15) years extensive experience, background and knowledge of one or more DARPA programs
• At least five (5) years of experience working with DARPA Program Managers

ECS Federal LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local jurisdiction law.

Everforth ECS is the federal segment of Everforth, a $4B global organization with over 10,000 employees. Our nearly 3,500 professionals deliver advanced technology solutions in data and AI, cybersecurity, and enterprise transformation, serving defense, intelligence, and federal civilian agencies. Our work powers mission‑critical outcomes, strengthens technology partnerships, and creates meaningful opportunities for our people.

Company Values

• Attracting and developing top talent and high‑performing teams
• Fostering a culture that is engaging, accountable, and mission‑driven

Meet the challenge. Make a difference with Everforth ECS!