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 specializes in the application of multi-disciplinary analytic skills to support multiple clients within the Department of Defense (DoD). These clients include the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)), DARPA, the Joint Staff, and USINDOPACOM.  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 a near-term need for a Junior SETA - Engineer to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

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 DARPA process, procedures, and culture; passionate about advanced R&D; and have strong communications and presentation skills. Utilize technical skills to understand the complex problems associated with DARPA programs, while simultaneously providing the necessary management support to execute the day-to-day requirements. 

The candidate will support periodic (monthly or bi-weekly) performer assessments to analyze programmatic, technical, and schedule risks; assist in the development of risk mitigation strategies; and communicate findings to the Program Manager. Assist with program administration, including development of technical analyses, identification of technology gaps, technical risk management, project cost estimation, technology transfer efforts, and other program execution operations. Help coordinate performer meetings, assess performer task progress and projected performer outcomes with a program team, and work with a team to ensure project management best practices are followed both at subject performers and within DARPA itself. 

The following are examples of the type of work that would be accomplished within the team environment for this role:

• Support the Program Manager (PM) in strategic analyses, market research, special studies, and road mapping activities for improving planning, processes and Science and Technology program investments; assist in technology assessments and evaluations
• Monitor both the technical and programmatic progress of various performers and keep the program officer informed, including participation in teleconferences and meetings, such as program and technical status reviews, or technical interchange meetings; keep the program manager abreast of progress through monthly reports and other reports as needed.
• Assist in the planning and execution of conferences, symposia and workshops, steering groups, program reviews, technical meetings, and other events; attend meetings; coordinate with government organizations; organize, coordinate schedules of invitees, host and coordinate meetings; prepare program presentations; and provide audio-visual services/equipment support at meetings.
• Provide input to draft briefings, and draft letters for the PM, enabling the PM to respond to inquiries related to the relevant programs; prepare briefings, reports, literature reviews, and documents to support the development and approval of new program concepts and technologies.
• Assist in preparation for internal reviews of programs, and gather information and data on progress and accomplishments from the various performers and assemble information for use in internal reviews.
• Liaise with and draft documents for technical PMs, business operations personnel, legal and contractual personnel, and administrative support staff; communicate clearly and effectively complex issues verbally and in writing for senior executive audiences, both inside and outside of (DoD and other agencies representatives) commands.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Science discipline
• Active DoD Secret clearance and eligible for TS/SCI
• Interest in technology management, with technical skills to understand the engineering challenges inherent to research efforts and professional desire to support/advise DARPA Program Managers
• Strong organization and communications skills, particularly in briefing preparation to present complex technology to senior leadership
• Ability to work in a team environment
• 100% availability to work on-site in Arlington, VA

Desired:

• Master's degree or PhD
• 1+ years of experience providing technical and/or cost analysis
• 1+ years of experience in a Research and Development organization/role
• 1+ years of experience working with, and strong relationships within the Department of Defense (DoD)--specifically OSD, USAF, or USN