About The Position

Amentum is a leading provider of engineering, scientific, and program management support services to some of the top agencies in the U.S. government, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the intelligence community. 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 while also building upon and reinforcing one another: Circuit Development to Enable Next-generation Microsystems (photonic circuits, quantum circuits, and organic circuits), Microsystems Manufacturing Ecosystem, and Dual-use by Design. Amentum is seeking a Senior Subject Matter Expert (SME) 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.

Requirements

  • Master of Science degree in a relevant engineering, scientific, or technological discipline
  • At least 20 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
  • Demonstrated ability to make decisions independently on R&D engineering problems and methods, in resolving important questions, and planning and coordinating work
  • Demonstrated experience in the use of advanced techniques, theories, precepts, and practices in a scientific or technological discipline
  • 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

  • PhD degree in a relevant engineering, scientific, or technological discipline
  • Active Top Secret security clearance, with the 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
  • Experience managing R&D programs from inception to closeout
  • Fifteen (15) years of extensive experience, background and knowledge of one or more DARPA programs
  • Five (5) 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

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

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume

What This Job Offers

Job Type

Full-time

Career Level

Senior

Number of Employees

5,001-10,000 employees

© 2026 Teal Labs, Inc
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service