DARPA ACO Junior Engineer – Sweet Emotion Program

Amentum • Arlington, VA

6d • $120,000 - $140,000

About The Position

The Junior Engineer will work on high-visibility, high-dollar national security programs focused on sensing and advanced systems. This role is built for engineers and scientists who are highly motivated, want to learn quickly, and are comfortable operating in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. You will not be confined to a single discipline—you will work across mechanical, aerospace, electrical/RF, physics, and materials domains to help design, evaluate, and field systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in: Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering (including RF), Physics, Materials Science / Materials Physics
• 2–7 years of experience (graduate research counts)
• Demonstrated interest in learning and working outside your primary discipline
• Strong motivation and ability to operate in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working on or with sensor systems (design, integration, or testing)
• Ability to work effectively on large, multidisciplinary teams
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Active Top Secret (SCI eligible)

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience with sensor design (RF, optical, embedded, or multi-sensor systems)
• Hands-on experience with testing, field work, or prototype development
• Experience in production-level programs or R&D systems builds
• Experience supporting demonstrations/tests
• Familiarity with data analysis, signal processing, or modeling tools

Responsibilities

• Support design, analysis, and evaluation of sensor systems (RF, optical, mechanical, embedded, or multi-modal)
• Work with signal, data, and hardware teams to ensure sensors produce usable outputs
• Participate in field experiments and aerospace facility testing
• Support test planning, setup, execution, and data collection
• Work in dynamic environments (ranges, labs, flight lines, test facilities)
• Analyze results and determine whether systems actually work—not just whether they were built
• Operate within large, multidisciplinary teams across government and industry
• Coordinate with engineers, scientists, and program leadership to move efforts forward
• Track technical progress and identify risks early
• Help translate technical work into clear updates for decision-makers

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees