Technical SETA Lead - BTO

ECS; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology services provider is seeking a Technical SETA Lead - BTO for their Arlington, VA office to support DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office. The ideal candidate will have a PhD and over 3 years of experience in research or technical advisory roles. Responsibilities include project management support, coordination of technical progress, and effective communication. This position requires a DoD Secret clearance and offers a hybrid work schedule, contributing to U.S. technological advancements in biological capabilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a DoD Secret clearance.
• 3+ years of experience in a research or technical advisory capacity.
• Experience with technical research across applied biotechnology projects.

Responsibilities

• Support a DARPA Program Manager in project management.
• Coordinate meetings and assess performer technical progress.
• Develop point papers and materials for program status.

Skills

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to learn new subjects

Leadership in research programs

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

Job Description

ECS is seeking a Technical SETA Lead - BTO to work in our Arlington, VA (hybrid work schedule) office. Please note: this position is contingent upon contract award. ECS seeks a Technical Science, Engineering, and Technical Advisory (SETA) candidate to provide onsite support to DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office (BTO). BTO is a unique technical office that leverages the power of biology as a technology to develop revolutionary capabilities for the Department of Defense. BTO’s mission focuses on ensuring U.S. technological dominance by pioneering breakthroughs in areas such as human performance, out-pacing infectious diseases, synthetic biology, neurotechnology, and the development of resilient biological systems.

The successful candidate will serve as a functional lead for all Technical SETAs under this contract. The candidate will also support a DARPA Program Manager (PM) 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 and interagency partners 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 biological and biotechnological problem sets to aid in National Security priorities.

Required Skills

• Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a DoD Secret clearance.
• PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a closely related field.
• 3+ years of experience in a research or technical advisory capacity.
• Ability to communicate effectively with excellent oral and written skills.
• Ability to learn new subjects and gain rapid insights into current and next-generation research topics, preferably with hands‑on leadership of research programs at the performer level in multidisciplinary fields (e.g., the intersection of biology and materials science or electronics).

Desired Skills

• Prior experience as a Tech SETA supporting a DARPA Technical Office.
• Experience working a program through its full life cycle (from concept development to transition).
• Experience with technical research, development, and engineering across a breadth of applied biotechnology projects.
• Familiarity with the DARPA technical, programmatic, and contractual environment.
• Self‑starter who is willing to both take the lead and provide support in a team within a complex, fast‑paced, cross‑disciplinary work environment.
• Experience interfacing with the FDA, NIH, or other regulatory/health‑focused government agencies.

ECS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis 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.

ECS is a leading mid‑sized provider of technology services to the United States Federal Government. We are focused on people, values and purpose. Every day, our 3200+ employees focus on providing their technical talent to support the Federal Agencies and Departments of the US Government to serve, protect and defend the American People.