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 Scientist with experience in networking or cyber with working knowledge of quantum communications to provide onsite support out of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in Arlington, VA.

The Scientist will perform Scientific, Engineering, and Technical Assistance (SETA) roles supporting research efforts blending the best of classical and quantum communications cohesively to produce a scalable and more secure networking infrastructure. Responsibilities will include new concept and new program development with government principals. The Scientist/Technical SETA will explore and characterize the current state-of-the-art and technical feasibility of new concepts and potential research approaches. This will include required support of research programs in terms of technology management, engagement with research performers, deliverable review, and regularly leading calls or meetings with research performers on a technical basis. The Scientist/Technical SETA will track and support testing and evaluation of Department of Defense applied research and advanced technology development of cybersecurity technologies and/or prototypes in an operationally relevant environment. Perform direct engagement with government transition partners (within the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community) and related stakeholders.

Required:

• Experience (minimum 3-5 years) in one or more of the following areas: network engineering, cybersecurity, vulnerability research, program analysis, reverse engineering, and/or quantum information
• Bachelor's degree or higher in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, information science or mathematics-related field
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Experience with supporting DoD research programs in terms of technology, technology management, engagement with research performers, deliverable review, and leading calls or meetings with research performers on a technical basis
• Demonstrated understanding of DoD security guidance, policy, and program execution with respect to test events, conducting research, and technology transition
• Willing to quickly adapt to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines
• Extreme attention to detail and organizational approach and abilities
• Able to work onsite full-time at DARPA in Arlington, VA in a SCIF environment

Desired:

• Hands-on tactical or strategic experience with military and/or other government entities
• Experience with leading testing and evaluation of DoD applied research and advanced technology development of networking or communications technologies and/or prototypes in an operationally relevant environment
• Experience involving direct engagement with government transition partners (within the DoD and IC) and related stakeholders
• Program administration, including development of technical analyses, identification of technology gaps, technical risk management, project cost estimation, technology transfer efforts, as well as supporting technical reviews
• 5+ years of experience in the above realms