Subject Matter Expert Demining

QinetiQ US•Alexandria, VA

1d•$125,000 - $175,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly experienced Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a U.S. Government-sponsored program focused on the research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) of advanced technologies for the detection and clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). This is a technically demanding role that requires a rare combination of deep field experience in mine action operations and the ability to contribute meaningfully to prototype development and engineering evaluation efforts. The successful candidate will serve as a critical link between U.S.-based engineering and program management teams and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) conducting live humanitarian mine clearance operations. The role requires the ability to deploy globally, often on short notice, to conduct site assessments, deliver New Equipment Training (NET), troubleshoot advanced detection systems in austere environments, and provide technically rigorous assessments of equipment performance.

Requirements

Minimum of five (5) years of direct, hands-on experience supporting mine action (MA) programs in mine and UXO-affected countries
Active DoD Secret clearance; Interim Secret considered on a case-by-case basis
Demonstrated proficiency operating and training others on handheld dual-sensor metal detectors, ground penetrating radar (GPR), magnetometers, and large-loop electromagnetic detection systems
Ability to author test plans, evaluation reports, After Action Reports (AARs), and training manuals to a professional standard
Willingness and physical ability to deploy OCONUS, including to contingency and post-conflict environments, with a minimum of two weeks' notice
Familiarity with NIST SP 800-171 CUI safeguarding requirements and DoD OCONUS pre-deployment processes (ISOPREP, PRMS, SPOT registration)
Specific detector platform experience must include proficiency with one or more of the following families of systems: Handheld dual-sensor systems (electromagnetic induction/metal detector combinations); commercial large-loop metal detectors and magnetometer arrays; ground penetrating radar (GPR) systems for subsurface threat detection; and Differential GPS (DGPS) systems used for precise target location marking in clearance operations.
Ability to work in austere, remote, and potentially hazardous field environments in a wide range of climates and terrain types.
Must be physically fit and capable of conducting extended field operations.
Prepared to comply with all applicable installation access, badging, and Common Access Card (CAC) requirements for domestic work at Government facilities in the Northern Virginia and Maryland area.

Nice To Haves

Experience with rapid area survey systems that integrate electromagnetic (EM) and magnetometer sensors to produce high-resolution EM maps and automatically identify potential subsurface threats.
Familiarity with classification sensors capable of determining the size, depth, orientation, and munition type of a detected target — particularly systems used in conjunction with large-loop detection arrays.
Hands-on experience operating commercial Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) equipped with multi-spectral (R/G/B/RE/NIR), LiDAR, or thermal camera payloads for area survey applications.
Experience applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) or machine learning techniques to analyze remote sensing data for the purpose of identifying surface or near-surface threats.
Familiarity with heavy construction and agricultural-style equipment adapted for mine and vegetation clearance in hazardous environments, including remote-controlled compact tracked loaders, micro and full-size excavators, commercial mine flails, and tilling systems ranging from 100 to 300 HP.
Professional working proficiency in one or more languages relevant to Southeast Asia or other primary mine-affected regions, including Khmer, Thai, Vietnamese, or Arabic.
Experience designing, installing, or managing RDT&E test lanes and facilities, including the emplacement of rendered-safe UXO targets using DGPS for controlled performance evaluations.
Experience with specialized data processing software used to analyze sensor data collected during area survey operations, including the ability to configure detection thresholds, interpret confidence values, and generate target dig lists with GPS coordinates for follow-on manual investigation.

Responsibilities

Deploy to mine-affected countries to conduct site assessments, evaluate the performance of detection and mechanical clearance equipment in live operational conditions, and provide hands-on training to host-nation NGO operators and team leaders.
Develop all necessary instructional materials, demonstrate equipment operation, and supervise training drills until operators achieve a defined level of proficiency for training missions typically ranging from two to four weeks in duration.
Contribute to the design, testing, and evaluation of prototype detection and mechanical clearance systems.
Prepare test plans and procedures, collect and analyze performance data, author evaluation reports and technical briefings, and support field demonstrations at Government-designated test ranges.
Contribute to the monthly scientific and technical reporting cycle, ensuring the Government has clear, data-driven visibility into the performance of systems under development.
Maintain strict compliance with all applicable security and information protection requirements, including the safeguarding of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in both domestic and overseas environments.
Exercise sound judgment in applying Foreign Disclosure regulations to protect sensitive technical data when working alongside host-nation personnel who lack U.S. security clearances.