Functional Expert II
About The Position
Everforth ECS is seeking a Functional Expert II to provide senior program and technical leadership for DARPA MXO research at the intersection of engineering, AI and machine learning, and advanced hardware. You will help program managers structure complex R&D efforts, evaluate whether performers are meeting technical intent, and translate emerging capabilities into credible program and transition strategies. 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, systems, and architectures that can reshape future military operations and strengthen the U.S. technology base. Depending on program assignment, your work may involve these areas or other emerging MXO priorities.
Requirements
- Master's degree
- 12 or more years of relevant experience
- U.S. citizenship required for security-clearance eligibility
- Senior program-management experience with regulatory-compliance responsibility in complex R&D environments.
- Demonstrated success planning, directing, and coordinating multidisciplinary task-order personnel while maintaining fiscal integrity and operational efficiency.
- Experience managing large defense R&D efforts, technical teams, and senior stakeholder relationships.
- Ability to conceive and oversee research programs that require unconventional approaches and independent technical judgment.
- Depth in engineering and AI or machine learning, including the relationship between algorithms, hardware, data, and mission performance.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and executive audiences.
Responsibilities
- Oversee integrated support across multiple technical teams and stakeholder organizations in a fast-moving R&D environment.
- Evaluate hardware-informed AI and ML concepts, new computing approaches, and enabling engineering against program objectives and mission needs.
- Guide program planning, risk analysis, technical reviews, test strategy, financial execution, and transition coordination.
- Provide independent recommendations on complex engineering issues that cross traditional technical disciplines.
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
