Technical Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Systems Planning & Analysis; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technical solutions provider is seeking a Technical Subject Matter Expert in Arlington, VA. This role involves providing essential advisory services to DARPA program managers, addressing complex challenges in R&D. The ideal candidate has over 15 years of experience in relevant fields, a Bachelor's degree in a STEM area, and an active Secret clearance. The position requires strong problem-solving and communication skills to effectively engage with diverse audiences and translate technical concepts into actionable insights.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in technical, managerial, or scientific fields with expert credentials.
• 10+ years of extensive experience with DARPA programs.
• Active Secret clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and programmatic advisory and assistance services to DARPA program managers.
• Engage with the research and development community to tackle complex challenges.
• Translate complex technical matters into understandable language.

Skills

Technical Advisory

R&D Management

Problem-Solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field

Graduate degree in a STEM field

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 Subject Matter Expert to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

SPA seeks passionate and dedicated Subject Matter Experts to engage with the research and development community to tackle complex challenges and help push the limits of technology. Expert’s primary function is to provide technical and programmatic advisory and assistance services to DARPA program managers. Assistance consists of advising on new projects of impactful basic research capabilities, including proposal reviews, site visits, demonstrations, and planning and coordinating work. Expertise required to provide assessments of laboratory and other test results and recommendations to mitigate technical risk and potential program impact of failure. SMEs will be working and communicating with both technical and non-technical audiences and must be able to understand and translate complex technical matter into easily understandable and impact‑focused language.

Qualifications

Required

• 15+ years of experience in technical, managerial, or scientific fields with expert credentials; recognized as an authority in that field
• 10+ years of extensive experience, background, and knowledge of one or more DARPA programs
• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field
• Active Secret clearanceDemonstrated ability to make decisions independently on R&D engineering problems and methods, in resolving important questions, and planning and coordinating work
• Demonstrated experience in the use of advanced techniques, theories, precepts, and practices in a scientific or technological discipline
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs

Desired

• Expertise in fields of Quantum, Optics, Photonics, Physics, Materials, Artificial intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Mathematics, Engineering, Chemistry, or Human Performance
• Graduate degree in a STEM field with published articles in field of expertise
• Program Management Professional or equivalent certification
• Prior experience as a DARPA Program Manager or SETA contractor, or 3-5 years supporting DARPA Program Managers on technical projects
• Experience managing R&D programs from inception to closeout
• Active Top Secret clearance