Functional Expert I

ECS Tech Inc•Arlington, VA

1d•$120,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

Everforth ECS is seeking a Functional Expert I to help a DARPA program manager turn ambitious radio-frequency and engineering concepts into well-run research programs. You will combine program leadership with technical judgment, helping the Government evaluate progress, manage risk, coordinate testing, and prepare technologies for transition. You will join an integrated scientific, engineering, and program support team that works alongside DARPA program managers from early concept development through program execution, testing, transition, and closeout. DARPA's Multi X Office applies the physical sciences across scales and disciplines to create mission-relevant capabilities. Its work extends from materials at the atomic, molecular, and cellular scales to components, tools, processes, manufacturing approaches, and domestic supply chains for critical technologies, new modalities for sensing, orienting, computing, communicating, and producing mission effects, and technical domains that include effects, energy, quantum science, organics and materials, new compute, robotics, and photonics. Depending on program assignment, your work may involve these areas or other emerging MXO priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
10 or more years of relevant experience
U.S. citizenship required for security-clearance eligibility
Experience planning, directing, and coordinating personnel supporting complex defense R&D efforts.
Experience exercising responsibility for regulatory compliance and review of task-order expenses.
Program-management experience on work of comparable size, scope, and complexity.
Demonstrated ability to resolve program issues without compromising fiscal integrity or workforce efficiency.
Technical depth in radio frequency systems and engineering.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and executive audiences.

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day program coordination across technical, programmatic, financial, contracting, security, and transition activities.
Apply RF and engineering experience to challenge assumptions, evaluate technical evidence, and connect component-level advances to operational needs.
Plan and coordinate the work of multidisciplinary support personnel while maintaining fiscal discipline, regulatory compliance, and continuity of execution.
Help prepare program reviews, test-readiness activities, executive briefings, and responses to time-sensitive Government inquiries.
Advise DARPA program managers on program planning, technical execution, cost, schedule, risk, and transition considerations throughout the R&D lifecycle.
Assess performer progress through technical reviews, site visits, laboratory results, tests, demonstrations, and other program events; identify concerns early and recommend practical risk-reduction actions.
Coordinate with performers, Government partners, test organizations, transition stakeholders, and other technical experts to keep complex efforts moving toward measurable program objectives.
Develop clear technical and programmatic products for DARPA leadership and external stakeholders, including review briefings, decision materials, trip reports, technical assessments, and program documentation.
Support the development of new program concepts by researching emerging science and technology, evaluating military relevance and feasibility, and contributing to trade studies, sensitivity analyses, and new-start materials.
Provide independent, objective advice while protecting sensitive information and complying with all security, organizational conflict-of-interest, and Government requirements.
Travel may include locations within and outside the continental United States and occasional international travel in support of program reviews, tests, demonstrations, or partner engagement.