Technical SETA - Medical Robotics SME

Systems Planning and Analysis; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) is seeking a Technical SETA - Medical Robotics Subject Matter Expert to provide onsite support in Arlington, VA.

You will bring a strong technical background in medical robotics and autonomous systems to evaluate programs, oversee development, and liaise with DARPA BTO program managers. The role requires 9+ years of relevant experience, a TS/SCI clearance, and the ability to work fully onsite.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical/biomedical, electrical engineering, or a related discipline.
• 9+ years of relevant work experience in robotics, medical devices, or defense programs.
• Ability to assess integration of robotic platforms, end effectors, and multi-modal sensors.
• Active TS/SCI clearance and willingness to work onsite in Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

• Provide foundational SME support to DARPA BTO program managers.
• Translate medical robotics concepts into technical oversight, progress evaluation, and performer management.
• Communicate findings clearly to stakeholders and support programmatic decision-making.

Skills

Robotics systems

Autonomous systems

Communication skills

ROS

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical/biomedical/electrical engineering

Tools

ROS (Robot Operating System)

Python

C++

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 an immediate need for a Technical SETA - Medical Robotics Subject Matter Expert to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

The candidate will apply a strong technical background and a proactive attitude in support of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and will be motivated to learn or already understand DARPA processes, procedures, and culture. Will be passionate about advanced R&D with strong communications and presentation skills. Provide foundational subject matter expertise and programmatic support to DARPA Biological Technologies Office (BTO) Program Managers. Translate core principles of medical robotics, autonomous systems, and surgical technology into technical oversight, progress evaluation, and performer management for cutting-edge programs focused on developing autonomous robotic systems for interventional trauma care in austere environments.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical biomedical, electrical engineering, or a related discipline.
• 9+ years of relevant work experience.
• Ability to assess the integration and validity of robotic platforms, surgical end effectors, and multi-modal sensor suites.
• Ensuring system architectures adhere to established standards for medical device software, safety protocols, and autonomous system development.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Able to work fully onsite in Arlington, VA.

Desired:

• Master's degree, PhD, or equivalent technical experience in mechanical biomedical, or electrical engineering, or a related discipline.
• Ability to review custom software for autonomous control, motion planning, and decision-making, often written in Python or C++ (e.g., within a Robot Operating System (ROS) framework).
• Experience reviewing approaches that fuse data from internal and external sensors (e.g., ultrasound, video, radiological tracers) to enable autonomous robotic capabilities and functions aligned with programmatic goals.

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $150,000.00/Yr. - USD $180,000.00/Yr.