DARPA – Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Senior Science Advisor

Amentum•Arlington, TX

21h•Onsite

About The Position

Amentum is seeking a Senior Science Advisor to support the development and execution of programs and strategy in MTO. This is a full-time position with the requirement to work on-site at the client location (Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, VA). Some domestic travel (~20%) may be required. The mission of DARPA’s Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) is to ensure the U.S.’s continued technological dominance, both militarily and economically. To do this, MTO pushes today’s boundaries in foundational science, going beyond incremental improvements to existing technologies and seeking fundamental scientific breakthroughs that can create new capabilities and reshape entire industries. MTO has three major focus areas that address distinct challenges but also build upon and reinforce one another: Circuit Development to Enable Next-generation Microsystems (photonic circuits, quantum circuits, and organic circuits), Microsystems Manufacturing Ecosystem, and Dual-use by Design.

Requirements

PhD degree in a relevant engineering, scientific, or technological discipline
At least 18 years of relevant experience
Active Secret security clearance. Please note US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Uniquely qualifying research, credentials, or education; universally recognized as the expert/authority in a highly specified scientific area
The mature judgement required to advise senior government personnel on complex scientific and technical matters with strategic implications
Demonstrated experience in executive-level scientific advisory roles with ability to translate complex scientific concepts into strategic recommendations for senior leadership
Demonstrated ability to independently conduct the most sophisticated analysis to offer strategic recommendations, solutions, and alternatives to resolve complex R&D issues, concerns, problems, or methods in areas related to MTO
Demonstrated experience providing scientific counsel at the highest levels of government and research organizations
Extensive published articles in field of expertise with demonstrated international recognition and thought leadership within the scientific community
The demonstrated professionalism, maturity, sound judgement, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary for daily interactions with a Government Program Manager, other technical support personnel, and executive-level audiences in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Active Top Secret security clearance, with ability to obtain SCI access. Please note US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Experience working with DoD stakeholders, combatant commands, and defense industry partners
Experience with basic and applied research and prior experience as a DARPA Program Manager or senior SETA contractor
Fifteen (15) years extensive experience, background and knowledge of one or more DARPA programs
Ten (10) years of experience working with DARPA Program Managers is highly desirable

Responsibilities

Providing Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) to DARPA in the execution of advanced technology, research, and prototype demonstration programs
Providing technical and strategic support and insight to DARPA Program Managers, DARPA leadership, performers, integrated product teams (IPTs), and associated research and development communities across industry, academia, and government
Support in identifying, developing, and implementing new program concepts
Providing program management and acquisition support
Leveraging knowledge of the full lifecycle of advanced research and development programs, from concept development and requirements definition through prototyping, testing, evaluation, and transition to operational capability
Identifying and translating requirements into technology research and development objectives
Performing independent technical assessments of new technologies and system designs, including evaluation of alternatives, trade studies, and cost-benefit analyses
Providing overarching support to program/s to include, as needed, attending biweekly calls for performers, attending major reviews, drafting programmatic documentation for DARPA and transition partners, attending transition partner meetings and internal DARPA team meetings
Supporting technical interchange meetings and design reviews
Supporting program experimentation and testing efforts, including preparation of experiment/test plans and coordination with performers, government agents, and test facilities
Author program briefings and technical documentation and reports