Technical Subject Matter Expert (SME)

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. 

SPA provides the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) technical expertise for decision support to ensure technical overmatch for the U.S. Armed Forces against any potential adversaries. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled exploring cutting-edge technology and helping government program managers evaluate, select, and manage research programs to transition promising technologies and ensure U.S. military forces retain technological superiority in the future. We have a near-term need for Technical Subject Matter Experts to provide onsite support in Arlington, VA.

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.

Required:

• Minimum ​​​​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  
• ​Minimum Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM field
• Active Secret clearance
• Demonstrated 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

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​