Senior Scientist- Marine Ecosystem Engineer

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.

The Acquisition and Technology Analysis Group within JOID 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.

SPA has an immediate need for a Senior Scientist/Engineer to provide onsite support in Arlington, VA.

The candidate will support the DARPA BTO Program Managers by providing high-level technical and administrative support in actively managing large, multi-perfomer teams, and across multi-disciplinary research areas. This includes conducting and summarizing monthly performer team status reports, biannual performer site visits, and annual program review meetings. Communicate cutting edge technical material in oral, written, and graphical form. Stay abreast of state-of-the art results in fields relevant to the DARPA programs being supported. Engage with relevant communities including stakeholders, transition partners, and current and potential performers. 

Required:

• MS degree and technical expertise in an area related to marine ecosystems, marine carbon cycling, environmental microbiology, synthetic biology, or biomanufacturing
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the mature judgment required to advise senior government personnel
• Experience with basic, applied research and advanced technology development
• Published articles in a field of scientific, engineering, or technical expertise
• Active Secret clearance

Desired: 

• PhD in a relevant technical field
• Experience managing R&D programs from inception to closeout
• Experience creating and coordinating strategy and program overview documents, and developing briefings to technical and non-technical audiences