On-site International Technical Program Lead

ARA•Reston, VA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking an On-site International Technical Program Lead to support technical assessments and work directly with other program managers, Government staff, and partner-nations on planning and execution of technical programs. This role begins as an understudy to the current lead and transitions to full program leadership. The role centers on planning, preparing, executing, and documenting multi-week technical site visits overseas and within the U.S. Responsibilities include coordinating all field logistics, ensuring export/import compliance with agreements and security regulations, and conducting on-site mission work that produces technical data and materials for U.S. Government stakeholders. The Program Lead integrates technical objectives, government guidance, partner-nation sensitivities, and the priorities of multiple stakeholders. The candidate must be comfortable managing equipment, export/import considerations, travel logistics, personnel coordination, and the execution of complex field missions involving diverse agendas. This role also contributes to long-term strategic planning and relationship-building. This position requires becoming proficient in the processes governing import/export requirements and regulations, and the relevant international project agreements.

Requirements

Active DoW TS/SCI security clearance and ability to pass a CI Polygraph
A BS in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics along with 8-10 years of experience or M.S./Ph.D. in Science or Engineering and 6-8 years of experience.
Prior experience planning and managing field projects including logistics, security constraints and personnel coordination
A strong interest and ability to build relationships, interface with and brief customers
Aptitude for learning and applying new technologies to a diverse problem set

Nice To Haves

Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams of engineers and scientists
Expertise in DoW modeling and simulation technology, industrial production processes, industrial control systems, and/or probabilistic analysis
Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written media with technical and non-technical audiences
Knowledge and experience with DoW decision support tools, capabilities, missions, and technical workflows
Demonstrated field leadership experience—coordinating multidisciplinary teams and executing technical mission activities
Strong communication skills, including briefing technical content to both technical and non‑technical government audiences
Ability to remain in the Reston/NCR area long-term (5–10 years) to provide continuity across multi‑year government cycles
Strong technical background in science, engineering, or mathematics
Desire to continue expanding their knowledge
Leadership experience
Expertise (and desire!) in business development, technical project management, and customer engagement

Responsibilities

Serve as the understudy and eventual lead for planning, preparing, executing, and documenting multi-week overseas technical assessments (e.g., Site visits, data collection visits, tool training, final reports.)
Conduct onsite technical work and lead development of resulting materials presented to US Government stakeholders
Manage all field logistics including travel, export/import considerations, equipment readiness, personnel coordination, and integration of multiple stakeholder agendas
Support long-term strategy and relationship building with multiple partners and agreements
Ensure full compliance with international agreements, Project Security Instructions, import export requirements and regulations, and partner nation sensitivities
Participate in crafting 5–10‑year program agreements and maintain continuity across multi-year planning cycles