Senior Scientist- Space Domain Job Listing at SPA in Arlington, VA (Job ID 2024-18666)

Description

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• MS/MA degree in a technical field (engineering, math, sciences) with 15 years of cumulative experience
• Active TS/SCI clearance and eligible for Special Access Programs
• Experience as a DARPA Program Manager or senior SETA contractor at DARPA
• Demonstrated experience in a space-related technical, managerial, and/or scientific field; expert credentials or being a recognized authority involving space flight systems ranging from very low Earth orbit to deep space
• Possess a broad understanding of previous classified DARPA space projects
• Self-starter with the ability to quickly grasp problems in a broad range of military technology areas and to initiate and evaluate revolutionary concepts relevant to TTO
• Ability to perform top-level technical analyses and assessments of new ideas for physical consistency, military utility, technology risk, and cost impacts
• Demonstrated ability to develop conclusions independently on R&D engineering problems and methods, resolving important questions, planning and coordinating work, and rapidly troubleshooting complex technical problems
• Demonstrated experience in the use of advanced techniques, theories, precepts, and practices in a space-related scientific or technical discipline
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the mature judgment required to advise senior government personnel

Desired Qualifications: 

• PhD in a technical field with 15 years of relevant experience
• Experience with basic, applied research and advanced technology development
• Experience managing R&D programs from inception to closeout
• At least ten years extensive experience, background, and knowledge of one or more DARPA programs
• At least three years of experience working with DARPA Program Managers
• Published articles in a field of scientific, engineering, or technical expertise
• Demonstrated ability to communicate program and technical requirements into strategy, acquisition, planning, and/or public release documents and correspondence in clear, concise, and compelling terms
• Experience creating and coordinating strategy and program overview documents, and developing briefings to technical and non-technical audience

The Senior Scientist will support the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in addressing the scientific rationale for investments in high-risk, high-reward technology research and development (R&D) efforts, primarily in the field of space-based platforms and systems. Will apply expertise and experience to assist Tactical Technology Office (TTO) executive leadership and program managers in identifying areas worthy of scientific exploration; and in developing, initiating, managing, and transitioning R&D projects. This position has a particular emphasis on working with program managers, industry, and academia to identify promising technological frontiers and refine broad concepts into focused program initiation pitches suitable for approval by DARPA executive leadership. Will assist leadership in identifying national security challenges and participate in the development of portfolio-level strategies to address them.