Technical SETA - Optical Physicist

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

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) is seeking a Technical SETA - Optical Physicist to provide on-site support in Arlington, VA.

The role requires deep expertise in experimental optics, photonics, and assessment of new optical technologies. You will translate first-principles physics into actionable research capabilities, support a DARPA BTO program manager, and help shape program strategies while coordinating multiple work streams.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent.
• 9+ years relevant experience.
• Ability to evaluate literature and technology landscapes in optical/photonic tech.
• Expertise in experimental optical physics with hands-on design and testing.
• Experience managing multiple work streams in fast-paced environments.
• Active Secret clearance
• Able to report to Arlington, VA on-site as required

Responsibilities

• Translate optical physics and photonics into actionable capabilities and program strategies.
• Evaluate performer optical methodologies, experimental system architectures, and data pipelines.
• Provide on-site support to a DARPA BTO Program Manager in Arlington, VA

Skills

Optical experiments

Literature evaluation

Project management

Team collaboration

Active clearance

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering/Physics

PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics

Tools

Zemax

Code V

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 - Optical Physicist to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

The Technical SETA - Optical Physicist will provide foundational subject matter expertise and programmatic support to a DARPA Biological Technologies Office (BTO) Program Manager. Translate first-principles optical physics and photonics into actionable research capabilities, performer assessments, and program strategies. Apply considerable experience in experimental optics and photonics, and assist in evaluating performer optical and photonic methodologies, experimental system architectures, characterization workflows, and data pipelines.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent
• 9+ years relevant experience
• Ability to execute independent literature and technology-landscape evaluations of the state of the art in emerging optical, photonic, and related technologies, and provide overviews with appropriate technical depth to shape future programming efforts and decision-making
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental optical physics, including hands-on design, alignment, characterization, and troubleshooting of free-space, fiber, and/or integrated photonic systems (lasers, interferometers, imaging systems, spectrometers)
• Experience managing multiple work streams with competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Active Secret clearance
• Able to report to Arlington,VA up to full-time based upon client needs

Desired:

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent
• Experience with optical design and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V) and/or biophotonics applications
• Previous DARPA experience

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.